MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM

Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh

MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY

Molecular epidemiology has recently been defined as "a science that focuses on the contribution of potential genetic and environmental risk factors, identified at the molecular and biochemical level, to the etiology, distribution, and prevention of disease within families and across populations." This new field has recently emerged from the integration of human genetics, advanced biotechnology, and epidemiology.

The objectives of molecular epidemiology are quite broad and include:

descriptive and analytical studies to evaluate genetic/environmental factors involved in disease etiology.

the development of prevention strategies for the control of bacterial, parasitic, and viral disorders through molecular diagnostics,

the prevention of non-communicable diseases and genetic disorders by assessing risks and identifying exposed and susceptible individuals through molecular screening.
The achievement of these objectives is dependent, in part, upon the availability of advanced biotechnology. This includes equipment, reagents and supplies. which are needed for analyses of potential genetic and environmental risk factors. However, molecular epidemiology also requires formal graduate level training in the field.

TRAINING PROGRAM

At the Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH), University of Pittsburgh, we have developed a Molecular Epidemiology Training Program based on current activities in the Departments of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Human Genetics. The foundation of the Molecular Epidemiology Training Program is a strong didactic series (including a six credit Molecular Epidemiology Core Curriculum and 22 related electives), outstanding research and training opportunities within the school, and a diverse and experienced faculty.

Predoctoral students admitted into one of three participating departments are eligible. In addition to completing the requirements of the admitting department, students will receive formal training in the other two disciplines.

FACULTY

Department of Epidemiology

Janice S. Dorman, PhD: Program Director, Department Coordinator: Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, international research.
Clareann H. Bunker, PhD: Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity.
Jane A. Cauley, DrPH: Osteoporotic fractures and falls, aging, sex hormones.
Lewis H. Kuller, MD: Cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases, aging, diabetes, cancer, nutrition.
Trevor J. Orchard, MD: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lipids.
Massimo Trucco, MD: Molecular biology and immunogenetics.
Joel L. Weissfeld, MD: Cancer, health services research

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health

William A. Bigbee, PhD: Department Coordinator; Glycophorin A somatic mutations, chemical and physical mutagens.
Billy W. Day, PhD: Protein adducts, molecular dosimetry, analytical methods.
Stephen G. Grant, PhD: Human genotoxicity, cancer, aging.
Valerian Kagan, PhD: Oxygen radicals, antioxidants, chemoprevention therapy.
Phouthone Keohavong PhD: DNA adducts, chemical mutagenesis, carcinogenesis.
Marjorie Romkes-Sparks, PhD: Molecular toxicology, pharmocogenetics, cytochrome P450.

Department of Human Genetics

Robert E. Ferrell, PhD: Department Coordinator; Polymorphic genetic variation in common diseases, cardiovascular disease.
Christopher E. Aston, PhD: Quantitative and statistical genetics, diabetes, chronic diseases.
Susanne M. Gollin, PhD: Molecular cancer cytogenetics, chromosome structure.
M. Ilyas Kamboh, PhD: Genetic basis of Alzheimers and cardiovascular diseases.
John Mulvihill, MD: Clinical genetics, familial aggregation of cancer.
Lisa S. Parker, PhD: Ethical issues in genetic research, genetic counseling.
Daniel F. Weeks, PhD: Linkage analysis, statistical and quantitative genetics, gene mapping.

As molecular epidemiology is one of the fastest growing disciplines, the Molecular Epidemiology Training Program at GSPH represents an outstanding educational experience for students interested in a career in molecular epidemiology, with a strong foundation in epidemiology, environmental health, and human genetics.

For more information about the Molecular Epidemiology Training Program, contact:
Janice S. Dorman, PhD
Department of Epidemiology
Graduate School of Public Health
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Telephone: 412-692-5169
FAX: 412-692-8329
Internet: JSD@VMS.CIS.PITT.EDU

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