Improving population health through epidemiology research and preparing the next generation of epidemiologists.
The Division of Epidemiology improves wellbeing for all by conducting research that yields robust, actionable evidence that advances our understanding of health and disease in populations, and by preparing the next generation of epidemiology research leaders. Our faculty brings together diverse expertise including population, clinical, social, environmental, and behavioral sciences to address critical public health challenges, and to develop and test evidence-based solutions to real-world health concerns.
What makes our division so special is the people. I’m continually amazed by the depth and breadth of science being led by our faculty, staff, and trainees—and by the genuine sense of collaboration that runs through everything we do.
As epidemiologists, we bring essential tools—measurement, causal thinking, rigorous study design—to some of the most complex and important questions in health. Our work spans the full life course, from maternal and child health to aging and chronic disease, and addresses urgent challenges including climate change, environmental exposures, social and structural inequities, infectious disease, and more.
We are proud to train the next generation of leaders in epidemiology, and to do so in a place that values creativity, inclusion, and impact. Our strong connections across Penn Medicine, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and our sister divisions in Biostatistics and Informatics create a uniquely rich environment for advancing science that improves lives.
I’m grateful every day to be part of this community, and excited for all we will do together to elevate the visibility and impact of epidemiology in the years ahead.
Deputy Director, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Associate Director, Epidemiology
Executive Assistant to Dr. Sean Hennessy (Epidemiology)
Stay informed with the latest research findings, news, and events from our division.
Save the Date – March 17, 2026. Join Penn CFAR and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for a workshop highlighting opportunities for collaborative HIV research and high-impact partnerships supporting Ending the HIV Epidemic in Philadelphia.
In a recent interview, Dr. Sean Hennessy highlights how scientific evidence and advocacy can drive FDA label changes that expand access to safe, effective medications.
Dr. LauraEllen Ashcraft has been named Co-Director of AMETHIST@Penn, where she will help lead efforts to support the NIH IMPROVE initiative and advance equitable maternal health research through implementation science.
DBEI proudly welcomes Sunni Mumford, PhD, as the new Director of the Division of Epidemiology.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Epidemiology
Kyle Busse, PhD, MPH, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics whose work focuses on how lifestyle factors — including diet, physical activity, and sleep — influence reproductive and perinatal health. His interest in this area grew from early experiences in public health and education settings, where he saw firsthand the challenges many people face in maintaining a healthy diet.
In this Q&A, Kyle shares what motivates his research, what he enjoys about the DBEI community, and how he spends time outside the lab.
Read the Q&AEpidemiology research at Penn Medicine advances patient care and public health through interdisciplinary collaboration and faculty expertise in clinical and applied sciences. Leveraging robust skills and partnerships with Biostatistics, Informatics, and Penn’s top-tier medical system, our division addresses complex health questions and delivers impactful solutions that shape public health outcomes and medical practices.
Join a community of experts and mission-driven professionals committed to shaping the future of biomedical and population health data research through collaboration and scientific excellence. Explore available faculty and staff positions in the Division of Epidemiology and the department.