About Epidemiology & Community Health
Our Mission
The Division of Epidemiology and Community Health (EpiCH) conducts observational and environmental research in populations regarding disease prevention and health promotion. Our training programs are designed to prepare the next generation of researchers and practitioners in the field. For over 70 years, EpiCH has led regional, national, and international studies of the distribution, causes, and prevention of major diseases.
Division Head: Bernard L. Harlow, PhD
Bernard Harlow, PhD Division Director and Mayo Professor
I want to share with you the enthusiasm I have for the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota.
We are, in addition to epidemiology research, community health behavior and promotion, public health nutrition, maternal and child health, and clinical and translational research.
Our faculty is a multidisciplinary blending of epidemiologists, behavioral scientists, clinical researchers and scientists, and public health policy researchers. But this diverse group of faculty is bound by our passion and belief that by studying populations both clinically and within the community, we can not only understand the underpinnings of diseases, disorders and injuries, but also reduce the incidence and prevalence, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health prevention and promotion oriented programs.
The Greek derivation of “Epidemiology” is the study (ology) upon (epi) the people (demos). We adhere to this approach to the study of diseases and disorders today by teaching our students the rigorous methods needed to conduct and evaluate public health programs and interventions, and to carry out traditional epidemiological observational studies and randomized clinical and community trials.
I invite you to explore the diversity and comprehensive nature of our academic programs and research, and encourage you to contact our faculty and staff with any questions you have. You’ll find our dedication and passion for public health training and research to be infectious. We look forward to sharing it with you!
Bernard L. Harlow
Mayo Professor and Division Head