UW Epidemiology
@uwepidemiology.bsky.social
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/
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.
New CDC vaccine recommendations are stirring confusion among older adults and providers.
Experts warn that unclear guidance could lower vaccination rates and drive up costs—just when public health can least afford it.
Experts warn that unclear guidance could lower vaccination rates and drive up costs—just when public health can least afford it.
How New Vaccine Guidelines May Put Older Adults At Risk
Warnings about the dangers of vaccines from senior government officials inevitably will lead to more unnecessary sickness and death, especially among older adults.
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October 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
New CDC vaccine recommendations are stirring confusion among older adults and providers.
Experts warn that unclear guidance could lower vaccination rates and drive up costs—just when public health can least afford it.
Experts warn that unclear guidance could lower vaccination rates and drive up costs—just when public health can least afford it.
TOMORROW: Collrane Frivold will defend her dissertation: "Associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and outcomes related to maternal influenza disease, infant anthropometry/growth, and cost-effectiveness in Nepal." Good luck tomorrow, Collrane! Event details: buff.ly/6e269Ri
September 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM
TOMORROW: Collrane Frivold will defend her dissertation: "Associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and outcomes related to maternal influenza disease, infant anthropometry/growth, and cost-effectiveness in Nepal." Good luck tomorrow, Collrane! Event details: buff.ly/6e269Ri
What’s a micro-pantry? Small, volunteer-run pantries & fridges that provide 24/7, local access to food. UW and partners are piloting smart sensors to reduce waste and improve access. UW Epi’s Marie Spiker is studying how communities use micro-pantries to guide this model forward.
Seattle to launch first connected network of community food micro-pantries
Seattle is piloting the nation’s first connected network of community food micro-pantries. Powered by UW-led smart sensor research, the project will fight hunger, cut food waste, and improve...
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September 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
What’s a micro-pantry? Small, volunteer-run pantries & fridges that provide 24/7, local access to food. UW and partners are piloting smart sensors to reduce waste and improve access. UW Epi’s Marie Spiker is studying how communities use micro-pantries to guide this model forward.
Reposted by UW Epidemiology
The UW SPH undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are now accepting applicants for the 2026-27 academic year. Join us in-person for the SPH Community Open House and meet with dept and program advisors!
📍 Hans Rosling Center
📅 October 1 | 11 am – 2:30pm
🔗 RSVP: forms.office.com/r/c1SgCxQ0Yr
📍 Hans Rosling Center
📅 October 1 | 11 am – 2:30pm
🔗 RSVP: forms.office.com/r/c1SgCxQ0Yr
September 29, 2025 at 9:07 PM
The UW SPH undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are now accepting applicants for the 2026-27 academic year. Join us in-person for the SPH Community Open House and meet with dept and program advisors!
📍 Hans Rosling Center
📅 October 1 | 11 am – 2:30pm
🔗 RSVP: forms.office.com/r/c1SgCxQ0Yr
📍 Hans Rosling Center
📅 October 1 | 11 am – 2:30pm
🔗 RSVP: forms.office.com/r/c1SgCxQ0Yr
To all our UW Epi alumni, new and seasoned, your journey continues with us. Reconnect, network, and stay informed by joining our alumni community! buff.ly/dIEhC3h
Stay Connected
Sign up for our alumni newsletter
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September 24, 2025 at 7:06 PM
To all our UW Epi alumni, new and seasoned, your journey continues with us. Reconnect, network, and stay informed by joining our alumni community! buff.ly/dIEhC3h
UW Epi's Helen Chu and Janet Baseman make up two of the School of Public Health's three leadership positions as Associate Dean for Research and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice!
New UW SPH leaders appointed for 2025-26 academic year | UW School of Public Health
The UW School of Public Health welcomes new leadership to support our shared work of co-creating health equity with our communities.
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September 22, 2025 at 8:32 PM
UW Epi's Helen Chu and Janet Baseman make up two of the School of Public Health's three leadership positions as Associate Dean for Research and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice!
Reposted by UW Epidemiology
“The risk of missing a case of hepatitis B is so significant that I just can’t imagine why we would delay a vaccine that is proven to be helpful and efficacious,” Dr. Brenna Hughes @acog.org & @idsog.bsky.social member. Important context for ACIP tomorrow. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/h...
C.D.C. Vaccine Advisers May Limit Hepatitis B Shots for Newborns
www.nytimes.com
September 17, 2025 at 5:53 PM
“The risk of missing a case of hepatitis B is so significant that I just can’t imagine why we would delay a vaccine that is proven to be helpful and efficacious,” Dr. Brenna Hughes @acog.org & @idsog.bsky.social member. Important context for ACIP tomorrow. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/h...
All 17 voting members of the CDC’s ACIP were dismissed in June, including UW’s infectious disease Dr. Helen Chu. She warns that shifts in how vaccine evidence is reviewed could affect safety, access, and disease control. More from her Q&A:
Q&A: Dr. Helen Chu on vaccine safety and recommendation changes in the U.S. | UW School of Public Health
Epidemiology Professor Dr. Helen Chu discusses recent changes to vaccine recommendations.
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September 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
All 17 voting members of the CDC’s ACIP were dismissed in June, including UW’s infectious disease Dr. Helen Chu. She warns that shifts in how vaccine evidence is reviewed could affect safety, access, and disease control. More from her Q&A:
Back-to-school season in WA brings higher risks of flu, RSV, COVID & other infections. UW’s Dr. Helen Chu reminds parents: vaccines protect not only your child but their classmates, teachers & community. Stay current this fall.
Get your family vaccinated for back-to-school
Autumn brings kids back into school classrooms and also heralds rising rates of the flu, COVID and other viruses.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Helen Chu expressed concern that this year…
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September 3, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Back-to-school season in WA brings higher risks of flu, RSV, COVID & other infections. UW’s Dr. Helen Chu reminds parents: vaccines protect not only your child but their classmates, teachers & community. Stay current this fall.
UW Epidemiology's Dr. Helen Chu speaks on the potential impact of COVID-19 supplies under the federal guidelines for this year's COVID vaccines.
FDA approves new COVID vaccines
The newest COVID-19 shots have been approved, but recommendations won't be for all Americans 6 months and older.
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September 2, 2025 at 10:01 PM
UW Epidemiology's Dr. Helen Chu speaks on the potential impact of COVID-19 supplies under the federal guidelines for this year's COVID vaccines.
Thousands of leading scientists including emeritus professor of UW Epidemiology Dr. Elizabeth Halloran are warning Congress: budget cuts to federal research threaten America’s health, economy & global leadership.
Two Thousand Of America’s Top Scientists Warn Congress: Don’t Gut Research Funding
Open letter from 2,100+ National Academy members warns Congress of dire consequences from FY26 science budget cuts; organizers seek response.
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September 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Thousands of leading scientists including emeritus professor of UW Epidemiology Dr. Elizabeth Halloran are warning Congress: budget cuts to federal research threaten America’s health, economy & global leadership.
"The reason why we want to give you a vaccine is not just to protect you but to protect those around you." Dr. Helen Chu backs AAP guidance, stressing protection for young children and community health.
Medical experts back COVID-19 vaccine for kids, despite split opinion
Medical experts are backing the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to vaccinate kids against COVID-19, differing from the HHS and CDC's new guidelines.
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August 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
"The reason why we want to give you a vaccine is not just to protect you but to protect those around you." Dr. Helen Chu backs AAP guidance, stressing protection for young children and community health.
“We don’t routinely see interventions that work that well.” #UWEpi professor Jessica Jones-Smith co-authored a new study that shows Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program boosts fruit & vegetable intake and improves food security among low-income households. buff.ly/5mVrV7k
UW research shows Fresh Bucks program improves fruit and vegetable intake, food security
A new study from the University of Washington shows that households enrolled in the City of Seattle's Fresh Bucks program experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume at least three…
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August 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
“We don’t routinely see interventions that work that well.” #UWEpi professor Jessica Jones-Smith co-authored a new study that shows Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program boosts fruit & vegetable intake and improves food security among low-income households. buff.ly/5mVrV7k
How does industrial air pollution impact community health? UW Epi professor Joel Kaufman's research highlights the need for better data on health risks from industrial emissions.
Manufacturing-dependent Cowlitz County is an industrial air pollution hotspot in WA
Some of the same industry that keeps Cowlitz County’s economy alive also makes the county an air-pollution hotspot, emissions data from the state, federal and private trackers reveals.
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August 20, 2025 at 4:00 AM
How does industrial air pollution impact community health? UW Epi professor Joel Kaufman's research highlights the need for better data on health risks from industrial emissions.
UW Epi professor Caleb Banta-Green was interviewed on @KUOW.org on Kratom and 7-OH, two controversial substances.
The country's got kratom on the brain. What is it exactly?
The FDA in late July announced plans to crack down on 7-OH, which is naturally found in kratom. We wanted to know more about both of these substances, so we checked in with a research professor at…
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August 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
UW Epi professor Caleb Banta-Green was interviewed on @KUOW.org on Kratom and 7-OH, two controversial substances.
This Friday, Tanya Libby will be defending her dissertation: "Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage and antimicrobial resistance among Kenyan children discharged from hospital." Come out to show your support to Tanya! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/iZOdKyG
August 14, 2025 at 5:04 PM
This Friday, Tanya Libby will be defending her dissertation: "Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage and antimicrobial resistance among Kenyan children discharged from hospital." Come out to show your support to Tanya! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/iZOdKyG
Tomorrow, you are invited to Mark Fajans' MPH dissertation defense: "Improving Detection of Tuberculosis Disease Among Children." Good luck tomorrow, Mark! Event details: buff.ly/GnkNLL1
August 13, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Tomorrow, you are invited to Mark Fajans' MPH dissertation defense: "Improving Detection of Tuberculosis Disease Among Children." Good luck tomorrow, Mark! Event details: buff.ly/GnkNLL1
Dengue fever is surging across the Pacific, the highest in a decade. UW Epidemiologist Joel Kaufman calls it "one of the first real disease-related phenomena we can lay at the foot of climate change." buff.ly/JqrCdYb
Rise in dengue fever outbreaks across the Pacific driven by the climate crisis, experts say
Samoa, Fiji and Tonga among the worst affected amid warning the disease and others will become ‘more common and more serious’ as the planet warms
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August 12, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Dengue fever is surging across the Pacific, the highest in a decade. UW Epidemiologist Joel Kaufman calls it "one of the first real disease-related phenomena we can lay at the foot of climate change." buff.ly/JqrCdYb