Biostatistics & Epidemiology Mission & Vision Statement

The mission of the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology is to improve the public’s health by serving as a source of expertise and a focus for training in biostatistics and epidemiology, and conducting investigator-initiated research to better understand the etiology, prevention and treatment of disease. The Department educates students in the methodology and analytic skills needed to conduct professional level public health practice and public health/biomedical research. It provides a collegial interdisciplinary learning environment that produces strong researchers and public health practitioners who use biostatistics and epidemiology theories, principles, and methods to significantly improve health at the population level.

Education:

Train future leaders in the disciplines of biostatistics and epidemiology through excellent master's and doctoral degree programs.

Educate learners in other programs and disciplines by offering biostatistics and epidemiology courses, certificate programs and trainings to better prepare public health practitioners and researchers.

Research:

Advance knowledge regarding the distribution, occurrence and outcome of disease in human populations by maintaining a strong and diverse interdisciplinary research program with outstanding faculty and students.

Use biostatistical and epidemiologic methods to investigate the etiology of disease in human populations and to evaluate clinical trials, health care delivery, public health prevention strategies and health promotion programs.

Maintain a robust program of collaborative biostatistical and epidemiologic research as a means of supporting and developing capacity for biomedical and public health research and for providing research opportunities for students.

Maintain a vigorous program of independent biostatistical and epidemiologic research as a means of discovery, developing new analytical methods for supporting the biomedical and public health sciences and providing research opportunities for students.

Service:

Provide professional service in biostatistics and epidemiology through work with federal, tribal, state, and local health agencies and other organizations by conducting collaborative research and offering technical assistance.

Partner with public health agencies to improve the health of populations through the training of the public health workforce.

Provide leadership in academic biostatistics and epidemiology, and in formulating local and national public health policy through service on advisory boards and review committees.