The Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences studies the role that endogenous and exogenous sources have in the development of complex human diseases. Sources of exposures include genetic, behavioral and environmental factors that can have effects through intermediate processes such as epigenetic obesity or metabolic processes. Because we focus on complex disease etiology, we also use and develop quantitative approaches and study model systems to understand mechanisms in disease biology. Particular strengths of the section include genetic and molecular epidemiology, statistical genetics, geospatial effects on risk and behavioral epidemiology.
Our section is dedicated to creating a premiere multidisciplinary research program in epidemiology and population sciences (including but not limited to cancer prevention sciences) that is translational in nature and has relevance to the patients and the population that the College serves. We aim to foster the highest-quality epidemiologic research and to serve as the centralized resource for the college for innovative epidemiologic research, collaboration, education, and service.
To achieve these objectives, we will:
- Conduct nationally and internationally recognized and well-funded multidisciplinary epidemiology research.
- Continue to focus on areas of existing faculty expertise in adult and pediatric cancer epidemiology.
- Perform additional faculty recruitment in nutritional epidemiology/obesity research, pharmacogenomics, cancer control and screening, and survivorship/outcomes.
- Extend research to diabetes, neurosciences and cardiovascular clinical science.
- Generate community-based research in high-risk and minority/underserved populations.
- Develop strong collaborations with the University of Texas School of Public Health and the Center for Precision Environmental Health at Baylor College of Medicine.
- Translate research to the scientific community, general public and beyond.
Aaron P. Thrift, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Interim Chief, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences
