PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

Overview

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds.

Advisors and Mentors

The PhD program is directed by Drs. John Ioannides and Kristin Sainani. Upon admission, each student in the PhD program will be assigned an academic advisor from the group of core faculty in epidemiology. This person will work with the student to craft an individually-tailored curriculum that meets their unique goals and interests. At a later time, the student will identify additional dissertation advisors, typically including a methodologic advisor (from the core faculty), a quantitative advisor (with expertise in statistics or computer science), and a clinical or translational advisor (in the applied research area). The methodologic, quantitative, and clinical/translational advisors will be expected to consult regularly with the student during the research and writing phases of the PhD dissertation. The advisors will monitor the student’s progress and alert the executive committee if problems arise. The executive committee will oversee advising arrangements to ensure that each student receives adequate supervision.

Examinations and Academic Milestone Assessment

In the course of the doctoral program, each student will carry out the following academic milestones to complete the core courses and elective coursework

  • Pass the Preliminary Examination
  • Identify a dissertation project
  • Form a Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee
  • Develop a detailed NIH-style dissertation proposal
  • Complete the Qualifying Examination
  • Conduct the dissertation research project(s)
  • Write the dissertation
  • Present dissertation results in a public seminar
  • Pass the Final Examination (defense of dissertation)
  • Complete and turn in the dissertation

Student/Alum Publications and awards

Dec 2017: Congratulations Ph.D. candidate, Stelios Serghiou, for being awarded the David Sackett Young Investigator Award 2017 by the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology for his paper on Field-wide meta-analyses!
"Field-wide meta-analyses of observational associations can map selective availability of risk factors and the impact of model specifications"

Nov 2017: Congrats to recent Ph.D. grad, Andrew Goldstone, on his recent publication with NEJM! Keep up the fantastic work!
"Mechanical or Biologic Prostheses for Aortic-Valve and Mitral-Valve Replacement"

July 2017: Congrats to MD/Ph.D. candidate, Nathan Lo, on his publication!
"Public Health and Economic Consequences of Vaccine Hesitancy for Measles in the United States"

April 2017: Congrats to Ph.D. candidate, Katherine Holsteen, for writing a competitive grant for the Center for Digital Health!

March 2017: Congrats Ph.D. candidate and guest speaker, Nathan Lo, for giving a talk in London for the Gates Neglected Tropical Disease Modeling Consortium meeting. Talk title: "Strengthening guidelines for helminths and NTDs: applications of cost-effectiveness analysis”

February 2017: Congrats Ph.D. candidate, Nathan Lo, for his publication in NEJM
"The Perils of Trumping Science in Global Health — The Mexico City Policy and Beyond"