UW Epidemiology
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The University of Washington Department of Epidemiology
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We're thrilled that you're interested in learning about the Department of Epidemiology's academic programs offered at the University of Washington School of Public Health. UW Epi provides foundational...
epi.washington.edu
Thinking about getting your MPH, MS, or PhD in Epidemiology?
Join our Zoom info sessions! Learn about the application process, degree options, funding, and more. Register for a session between April and July: epi.washington.edu/admissions/
Join our Zoom info sessions! Learn about the application process, degree options, funding, and more. Register for a session between April and July: epi.washington.edu/admissions/
A study led by UW Epi PhD candidate Andrea Molino shows how trust, privacy, and tech access shaped who used digital public health tools.
Would You Use a Digital Vaccine Record? Here’s What Washingtonians Decided
When Washington State launched its digital vaccine verification tool, WA Verify, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was designed to make sharing proof of vaccination faster and more convenient. But…
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December 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
A study led by UW Epi PhD candidate Andrea Molino shows how trust, privacy, and tech access shaped who used digital public health tools.
UW Epidemiology’s Marie Spiker is helping shape safer, smarter hyperlocal food sharing. Her research explores how people use community fridges and micropantries so new sensor tech supports real community needs—reducing waste and improving access.
With community fridges, neighbors feed each other
DEOHS faculty members Emily Hovis and Marie Spiker collaborate with UW Urban Freight Lab to improve safety and efficiency of hyperlocal food sharing
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December 9, 2025 at 10:45 PM
UW Epidemiology’s Marie Spiker is helping shape safer, smarter hyperlocal food sharing. Her research explores how people use community fridges and micropantries so new sensor tech supports real community needs—reducing waste and improving access.
Come support Zeruiah Buchanan's dissertation defense TOMORROW on "Black Youth Suicidality Through The Lens Of Intersectionality & Policy." Congratulations, Zeruiah! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/xZRcaPl
December 9, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Come support Zeruiah Buchanan's dissertation defense TOMORROW on "Black Youth Suicidality Through The Lens Of Intersectionality & Policy." Congratulations, Zeruiah! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/xZRcaPl
UW Epidemiology’s Helen Chu warns that delaying hepatitis B vaccination leaves newborns vulnerable. As ACIP moves to end universal birth-dose guidance, experts stress what’s at stake for infant protection.
CDC Vaccine Panel Scraps Guidance for Universal Hepatitis B Shots at Birth
New guidance from the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel would do away with a decades-old universal birth dose recommendation for hepatitis B that helped cut infections by 99 percent in the U.S.
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December 8, 2025 at 10:45 PM
UW Epidemiology’s Helen Chu warns that delaying hepatitis B vaccination leaves newborns vulnerable. As ACIP moves to end universal birth-dose guidance, experts stress what’s at stake for infant protection.
Don't miss Jessica Culhane's #EpiDissertation defense: "Mixed Neuropathology and Associations with Cognitive Impairment in Autopsied Older Adults." Come show your support tomorrow afternoon, and congratulations, Jessica! Event details: buff.ly/adVGMuQ
December 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Don't miss Jessica Culhane's #EpiDissertation defense: "Mixed Neuropathology and Associations with Cognitive Impairment in Autopsied Older Adults." Come show your support tomorrow afternoon, and congratulations, Jessica! Event details: buff.ly/adVGMuQ
How bad will flu season be this year? While U.S. flu rates remain low, experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries.
A New Flu Variant May Make Cold Season Brutal This Year
U.S. flu rates remain low, but experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries
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December 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
How bad will flu season be this year? While U.S. flu rates remain low, experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries.
New UW–Kaiser research shows virtual care soared during the 2025 LA wildfires, especially for respiratory, cardiovascular, injury, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study highlights how telehealth becomes essential during climate disasters.
Los Angeles wildfires prompted significantly more virtual medical visits, UW-led research finds
When uncontrolled wildfires moved from the foothills above Los Angeles into the densely populated urban areas below in January 2025, evacuation ensued and a thick layer of toxic smoke spread across...
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December 2, 2025 at 8:01 PM
New UW–Kaiser research shows virtual care soared during the 2025 LA wildfires, especially for respiratory, cardiovascular, injury, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study highlights how telehealth becomes essential during climate disasters.
REMINDER: We have two dissertation defenses going on today from Susana Lozano's Esparza and Linxuan Wu. See December 1 events for details: buff.ly/9kDhDLq
December 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM
REMINDER: We have two dissertation defenses going on today from Susana Lozano's Esparza and Linxuan Wu. See December 1 events for details: buff.ly/9kDhDLq
People at holiday gatherings often share bugs. Now volunteers are needed to help UW researchers figure out how viruses spread in households and communities. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed. buff.ly/TDWjXd4
November 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
People at holiday gatherings often share bugs. Now volunteers are needed to help UW researchers figure out how viruses spread in households and communities. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed. buff.ly/TDWjXd4
Another dissertation defense after the break! Linxuan Wu will be presenting on "Advancing PrEP Use among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa." Best of luck, Linxuan! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/qjVJPgZ
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Another dissertation defense after the break! Linxuan Wu will be presenting on "Advancing PrEP Use among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa." Best of luck, Linxuan! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/qjVJPgZ
Come join us after the Thanksgiving holiday on December 1 for Susana Lozano Esparza's dissertation defense: "Polycystic ovary syndrome in Mexico: From adolescence to adulthood. Best of luck, Susana #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/edUZZtB
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Come join us after the Thanksgiving holiday on December 1 for Susana Lozano Esparza's dissertation defense: "Polycystic ovary syndrome in Mexico: From adolescence to adulthood. Best of luck, Susana #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/edUZZtB
A new study in AJHG led by UW Epi professor Alison Fohner shows what students truly need in the AI era: critical thinking, data discernment & cross-disciplinary teamwork—plus 17 actionable competencies to help graduate programs future-proof training.
Training competencies and recommendations for the next generation of public health genetics: Reflections from current leaders in the field
Public health genetics training programs must evolve to meet the changing public health landscape and ever-growing data availability.
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November 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A new study in AJHG led by UW Epi professor Alison Fohner shows what students truly need in the AI era: critical thinking, data discernment & cross-disciplinary teamwork—plus 17 actionable competencies to help graduate programs future-proof training.
What’s that rotten egg smell in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood? Seattle Times reporting points to a drywall recycler and highlights broader air-quality concerns. UW Epi’s Anjum Hajat underscores the clear links between pollution and health risks and the need for faster action.
A stink and an ‘instant headache’: Seattle neighborhood endures pungent smell
Over 100 complaints of a pungent smell have been reported to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The source has been a bit of a mystery.
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November 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM
What’s that rotten egg smell in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood? Seattle Times reporting points to a drywall recycler and highlights broader air-quality concerns. UW Epi’s Anjum Hajat underscores the clear links between pollution and health risks and the need for faster action.
A new SeaPrep study, led by UW physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, is enrolling participants across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties to track how respiratory viruses spread. The study is compensated and completed from home.
Participants sought for new study of how viruses spread - UW Medicine | Newsroom
Participants [...]
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November 24, 2025 at 6:03 PM
A new SeaPrep study, led by UW physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, is enrolling participants across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties to track how respiratory viruses spread. The study is compensated and completed from home.
The Seattle Times picked up earlier reporting on UW Epi’s Simon Sandh, who traveled Seattle to Portland using only buses and trains. His 11-hour trip shows how rural transit connects communities and supports access to work, services, and public health.
A ‘mind-blowing’ trip from Seattle to Portland: 12 hours on buses and trains
Along the way, he said, Simon Sandh found how those small, rural transit systems serve as the "connectors" for so many communities.
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November 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The Seattle Times picked up earlier reporting on UW Epi’s Simon Sandh, who traveled Seattle to Portland using only buses and trains. His 11-hour trip shows how rural transit connects communities and supports access to work, services, and public health.
TOMORROW: Sophie Freije will defend her dissertation: "Correlates and Metabolic Health Outcomes of Adolescent Loneliness." All are welcome to attend. Good luck tomorrow, Sophie! Event details: buff.ly/l5QgjEA
November 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM
TOMORROW: Sophie Freije will defend her dissertation: "Correlates and Metabolic Health Outcomes of Adolescent Loneliness." All are welcome to attend. Good luck tomorrow, Sophie! Event details: buff.ly/l5QgjEA
Trying to get more protein? UW Epidemiology’s Adam Drewnowski found that dairy offers the most affordable source of complete, high quality protein, with milk costing less per 50 grams than eggs, chicken, or plant based options.
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November 19, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Trying to get more protein? UW Epidemiology’s Adam Drewnowski found that dairy offers the most affordable source of complete, high quality protein, with milk costing less per 50 grams than eggs, chicken, or plant based options.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women around the world, but it’s largely preventable. Now, a new low-tech, affordable intervention can help people get screened. UW Epi's Rachel Winer is quoted:
How a simple, cost-effective intervention can save lives from cervical cancer | UW School of Public Health
UW research shows cost-effectiveness of at-home test kits to prevent cervical cancer.
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November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women around the world, but it’s largely preventable. Now, a new low-tech, affordable intervention can help people get screened. UW Epi's Rachel Winer is quoted:
Marie Spiker at UW Epi warns: “Food insecurity is bad for health, both physical and mental health, at every stage of the life course.” SNAP delays raise serious concerns about increased rates of chronic disease when people rely on less healthy options.
How food insecurity can lead to long-term health complications
Food insecurity can lead to long-term heath consequences, especially among young children and older adults.
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November 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Marie Spiker at UW Epi warns: “Food insecurity is bad for health, both physical and mental health, at every stage of the life course.” SNAP delays raise serious concerns about increased rates of chronic disease when people rely on less healthy options.
Youth loneliness is rising worldwide. Led by UW Epidemiology’s Sophie Freije, a new UW-led study in the Journal of Adolescent Health analyzed data from 1M+ teens in 38 countries and emphasizes the importance of studying societal predictors of loneliness. buff.ly/DIVXXN6
Past quarter century sees rise in youth loneliness | UW School of Public Health
As loneliness grows amongst adolescents, researchers emphasize importance of studying possible societal reasons.
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November 4, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Youth loneliness is rising worldwide. Led by UW Epidemiology’s Sophie Freije, a new UW-led study in the Journal of Adolescent Health analyzed data from 1M+ teens in 38 countries and emphasizes the importance of studying societal predictors of loneliness. buff.ly/DIVXXN6
Wildfire smoke is officially a maternal health issue. A new study shows pregnant people exposed to it face higher odds of preterm birth. UW Epi researchers say this reinforces the need for public health guidance to protect pregnancies during smoke events.
UW-led study links wildfire smoke to increased odds of preterm birth
In mid-pregnancy, exposure to any smoke was associated with an elevated risk of preterm birth, with that risk peaking around the 21st week of gestation. In late pregnancy, elevated risk was most...
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November 3, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Wildfire smoke is officially a maternal health issue. A new study shows pregnant people exposed to it face higher odds of preterm birth. UW Epi researchers say this reinforces the need for public health guidance to protect pregnancies during smoke events.
UW Epi’s Simon Sandh traveled from Seattle to Portland using only local public transit. His 12-hour trip revealed how access to transportation shapes equity and health across communities. “Every delay is a health disparity in motion.” Read more:
Lessons in public health from a Seattle to Portland 12-hour public transit journey | UW School of Public Health
Local public transit can fuse or disrupt the connection between communities and their access to healthcare, jobs, and each other.
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October 28, 2025 at 3:45 PM
UW Epi’s Simon Sandh traveled from Seattle to Portland using only local public transit. His 12-hour trip revealed how access to transportation shapes equity and health across communities. “Every delay is a health disparity in motion.” Read more:
UW Epi affiliate professor Ramya Kumar delivered a keynote at the 2025 AHILA Congress in Lusaka: “Knowledge Without Borders.” Her talk explored how public health knowledge moves across borders and how libraries shape equitable access to evidence. Watch here:
Keynote: How Libraries Can Transform Health Information Equity -
Keynote Address: Dr. Ramya Kumar – 18th AHILA Congress, Lusaka, Zambia
Organizer: Association for Health Information & Libraries In Africa (AHILA)
Title: Beyond Access: How Libraries Can Transform…
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October 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
UW Epi affiliate professor Ramya Kumar delivered a keynote at the 2025 AHILA Congress in Lusaka: “Knowledge Without Borders.” Her talk explored how public health knowledge moves across borders and how libraries shape equitable access to evidence. Watch here:
A new study co-authored by UW Epi’s Ali Rowhani-Rahbar finds firearm deaths now surpass car crashes as the leading cause of death among U.S. high schoolers. The Injury Epidemiology study calls for age-specific strategies to prevent firearm violence.
Firearm deaths now top cause of death for U.S. high schoolers, WSU study finds
Researchers found that firearm deaths increased from 1,945 in 2001 to 3,224 in 2022 — a 65% rise overall.
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October 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A new study co-authored by UW Epi’s Ali Rowhani-Rahbar finds firearm deaths now surpass car crashes as the leading cause of death among U.S. high schoolers. The Injury Epidemiology study calls for age-specific strategies to prevent firearm violence.
New research finds wildfire smoke now kills 41,000 Americans a year. "Wildfire smoke may be more toxic than common forms of pollution,” says UW Epi’s Dr. Joel Kaufman, underscoring growing concern about air quality and climate-related health risks.
Wildfire Smoke Now Kills 41,000 Americans a Year, Study Finds
FRIDAY, Sept. 19, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Every summer, hazy skies and the smell of burning wood remind Americans that wildfires affect far more than just the c
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October 9, 2025 at 7:03 PM
New research finds wildfire smoke now kills 41,000 Americans a year. "Wildfire smoke may be more toxic than common forms of pollution,” says UW Epi’s Dr. Joel Kaufman, underscoring growing concern about air quality and climate-related health risks.