Epidemiology and environmental health are critical foundational components to public health research and evidenced-based practice. Epidemiologists study the distribution, patterns and causes of adverse health outcomes. In addition, how to control disease and prevent poor health while examining the complex interaction of factors including lifestyle, age, and influences from the environment. Environmental health identifies and seeks to understand the impact of environmental exposures on health.
Epidemiologists work with teams of scientists and community members to identify why diseases are spreading, how to stop and prevent them. Environmental health professionals investigate potential exposure to environmental agents and develop protective interventions to control these hazards. They also develop health communication materials, engage community members to resolve environmental hazards. Ultimately, epidemiologists and environmental health scientists identify factors to improve human health.
We offer training at the undergraduate, master, and doctoral level. Our students receive hands-on experience working with faculty on research studies focused on fields such as cancer prevention and survival, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, environmental health, and occupational exposures.
"Welcome to the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health! We have a vibrant, dedicated, and highly collaborative faculty that are tackling real world health issues with innovative research in partnership with our regional, state, and national community partners. Our students find fulfilling careers with our regional, state and national partners in public health, industry, and academia. The pandemic has highlighted the tremendous impact the fields of epidemiology and environmental health have on public health. We encourage you to explore all that our department has to offer."
"Welcome to the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health! We have a vibrant, dedicated, and highly collaborative faculty that are tackling real world health issues with innovative research in partnership with our regional, state, and national community partners.
Our students find fulfilling careers with our regional, state and national partners in public health, industry, and academia. The pandemic has highlighted the tremendous impact the fields of epidemiology and environmental health have on public health. We encourage you to explore all that our department has to offer."
Dr. Erin N. Haynes
Alexandria Thomas, a PhD student at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Public Health, is conducting crucial research on an assortment of toxic manmade “forever chemicals” in the area surrounding a toxic waste incineration plant in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Cole Watson, a University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH) undergraduate research student, has been working with a team to analyze data collected to address this crucial issue, focusing specifically on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in homes in East Palestine, Ohio.
The CARE2HOPE project, a collaborative effort between the University of Kentucky College of Public Health and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, has been named the winner of the American Public Health Association (APHA) Epidemiology Section’s 2023 Public Health Practice Award.
The University of Kentucky’s College of Public welcomes Dr.
The University of Kentucky’s College of Public welcomes Dr. Rachel Vickers-Smith Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Epidemiology & Environmental Health.
The University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health welcomes Joshua Lambert, PhD Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati, and Dr. Paul E. Norrod, an Assistant Professor at University of Cincinnati College of Nursing.
A unique opportunity for sharing innovative work in public health research, community practice, teaching, and workforce development.
The University of Kentucky College of Public Health is undergoing a review by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for re-accreditation. Part of this process includes the invitation to provide third-party comments. Anyone, including students, alumni, employers, community partners, etc., is allowed to share relevant information about the college directly with CEPH. If you would like to provide input to CEPH to inform their review, send your comments to submissions@ceph.org by May 4th, 2025.
