UW Epidemiology
@uwepidemiology.bsky.social
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The University of Washington Department of Epidemiology
pinned post!
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/
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Admissions
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...
https://epi.washington.edu/admissions/
8 months ago
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UW Epidemiology’s Helen Chu warns that delaying hepatitis B vaccination leaves newborns vulnerable. As ACIP moves to end universal birth-dose guidance, experts stress what’s at stake for infant protection.
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CDC Vaccine Panel Scraps Guidance for Universal Hepatitis B Shots at Birth
New guidance from the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel would do away with a decades-old universal birth dose recommendation for hepatitis B that helped cut infections by 99 percent in the U.S.
https://buff.ly/0zzdIec
about 15 hours ago
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Don't miss Jessica Culhane's
#EpiDissertation
defense: "Mixed Neuropathology and Associations with Cognitive Impairment in Autopsied Older Adults." Come show your support tomorrow afternoon, and congratulations, Jessica! Event details:
buff.ly/adVGMuQ
about 17 hours ago
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How bad will flu season be this year? While U.S. flu rates remain low, experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries.
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A New Flu Variant May Make Cold Season Brutal This Year
U.S. flu rates remain low, but experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries
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5 days ago
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New UW–Kaiser research shows virtual care soared during the 2025 LA wildfires, especially for respiratory, cardiovascular, injury, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study highlights how telehealth becomes essential during climate disasters.
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Los Angeles wildfires prompted significantly more virtual medical visits, UW-led research finds
When uncontrolled wildfires moved from the foothills above Los Angeles into the densely populated urban areas below in January 2025, evacuation ensued and a thick layer of toxic smoke spread across...
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7 days ago
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REMINDER: We have two dissertation defenses going on today from Susana Lozano's Esparza and Linxuan Wu. See December 1 events for details:
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8 days ago
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People at holiday gatherings often share bugs. Now volunteers are needed to help UW researchers figure out how viruses spread in households and communities. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
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13 days ago
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Another dissertation defense after the break! Linxuan Wu will be presenting on "Advancing PrEP Use among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa." Best of luck, Linxuan!
#EpiDissertation
Event details:
buff.ly/qjVJPgZ
13 days ago
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Come join us after the Thanksgiving holiday on December 1 for Susana Lozano Esparza's dissertation defense: "Polycystic ovary syndrome in Mexico: From adolescence to adulthood. Best of luck, Susana
#EpiDissertation
Event details:
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14 days ago
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A new study in AJHG led by UW Epi professor Alison Fohner shows what students truly need in the AI era: critical thinking, data discernment & cross-disciplinary teamwork—plus 17 actionable competencies to help graduate programs future-proof training.
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Training competencies and recommendations for the next generation of public health genetics: Reflections from current leaders in the field
Public health genetics training programs must evolve to meet the changing public health landscape and ever-growing data availability.
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14 days ago
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What’s that rotten egg smell in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood? Seattle Times reporting points to a drywall recycler and highlights broader air-quality concerns. UW Epi’s Anjum Hajat underscores the clear links between pollution and health risks and the need for faster action.
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A stink and an ‘instant headache’: Seattle neighborhood endures pungent smell
Over 100 complaints of a pungent smell have been reported to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The source has been a bit of a mystery.
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15 days ago
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A new SeaPrep study, led by UW physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, is enrolling participants across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties to track how respiratory viruses spread. The study is compensated and completed from home.
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Participants sought for new study of how viruses spread - UW Medicine | Newsroom
Participants [...]
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15 days ago
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The Seattle Times picked up earlier reporting on UW Epi’s Simon Sandh, who traveled Seattle to Portland using only buses and trains. His 11-hour trip shows how rural transit connects communities and supports access to work, services, and public health.
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A ‘mind-blowing’ trip from Seattle to Portland: 12 hours on buses and trains
Along the way, he said, Simon Sandh found how those small, rural transit systems serve as the "connectors" for so many communities.
https://buff.ly/ORykBxI
18 days ago
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TOMORROW: Sophie Freije will defend her dissertation: "Correlates and Metabolic Health Outcomes of Adolescent Loneliness." All are welcome to attend. Good luck tomorrow, Sophie! Event details:
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19 days ago
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Trying to get more protein? UW Epidemiology’s Adam Drewnowski found that dairy offers the most affordable source of complete, high quality protein, with milk costing less per 50 grams than eggs, chicken, or plant based options.
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https://buff.ly/X4ZqaLU
20 days ago
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Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women around the world, but it’s largely preventable. Now, a new low-tech, affordable intervention can help people get screened. UW Epi's Rachel Winer is quoted:
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How a simple, cost-effective intervention can save lives from cervical cancer | UW School of Public Health
UW research shows cost-effectiveness of at-home test kits to prevent cervical cancer.
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21 days ago
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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.
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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.
https://buff.ly/OwlccuS
27 days ago
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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.
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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.
https://buff.ly/DIVXXN6
about 1 month ago
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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.
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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...
https://buff.ly/5Z4lg9q
about 1 month ago
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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:
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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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about 1 month ago
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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:
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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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about 1 month ago
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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.
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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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about 2 months ago
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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.
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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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2 months ago
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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.
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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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2 months ago
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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:
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2 months ago
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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.
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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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2 months ago
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reposted by
UW Epidemiology
University of Washington School of Public Health
2 months ago
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
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To all our UW Epi alumni, new and seasoned, your journey continues with us. Reconnect, network, and stay informed by joining our alumni community!
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Stay Connected
Sign up for our alumni newsletter
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3 months ago
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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!
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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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3 months ago
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reposted by
UW Epidemiology
Jen Balkus, PhD, MPH
3 months ago
“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...
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C.D.C. Vaccine Advisers May Limit Hepatitis B Shots for Newborns
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/health/hepatitis-b-vaccine-committee-meeting-infants.html
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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:
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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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3 months ago
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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.
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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…
https://buff.ly/Alui7fM
3 months ago
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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.
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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.
https://buff.ly/h7dcpir
3 months ago
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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.
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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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3 months ago
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"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.
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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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3 months ago
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“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.
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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…
https://buff.ly/5mVrV7k
4 months ago
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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.
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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.
https://buff.ly/1iybNVu
4 months ago
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UW Epi professor Caleb Banta-Green was interviewed on
@KUOW.org
on Kratom and 7-OH, two controversial substances.
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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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4 months ago
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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:
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4 months ago
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Tomorrow, you are invited to Mark Fajans' MPH dissertation defense: "Improving Detection of Tuberculosis Disease Among Children." Good luck tomorrow, Mark! Event details:
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4 months ago
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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."
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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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4 months ago
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Don't miss Lola Arakaki's
#EpiDissertation
defense on: Investigations of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness! Come show your support tomorrow, August 7 at 11 a.m., and congratulations, Lola! Event details:
buff.ly/ILwfBsN
4 months ago
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Tomorrow afternoon, Hiwot Zewdie will be presenting on "The urban environment and active living: the case of Bogota, Columbia." Best of luck, Hiwot!
#EpiDissertation
Event details:
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4 months ago
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Celebrating Dr. Susan Heckbert’s career, legacy, and contributions to public health and University of Washington as she retires after more than three decades on faculty in UW Department of Epidemiology and University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
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4 months ago
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Celebrating Dr. Susan Heckbert’s career, legacy, and contributions to public health and the University of Washington as she retires after more than three decades on faculty in
@uwepidemiology.bsky.social
and
@uwpharmacy.bsky.social
Read more:
bit.ly/4l0csw8
4 months ago
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reposted by
UW Epidemiology
UW Medicine Newsroom
5 months ago
Good news: From 2013 to 2022, the portion of Washington adults who reported storing household firearms securely rose from 34.9% to 48.8%.
@uwepidemiology.bsky.social
@uwmedicine.bsky.social
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More Washington households store firearms securely - UW Medicine | Newsroom
https://bit.ly/4kARqUJ
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reposted by
UW Epidemiology
UW DEOHS
5 months ago
Congratulations 🎉🎉 to Dr. Jerry Cangelosi on retiring after 13 years as a DEOHS professor and a recent term as associate dean for research in the
@uofwa.bsky.social
School of Public Health! He and his team developed a less invasive way to screen people for TB.
deohs.washington.edu/hsm-blog/tak...
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Taking down TB
Professor Jerry Cangelosi retires after 13 years on the DEOHS faculty
https://deohs.washington.edu/hsm-blog/taking-down-tb
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Join us tomorrow afternoon for Gregory Zane's dissertation defense. Gregory will be presenting on "Prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis infections: Evaluation of vaccination and post-exposure prophylactic antibiotic use as population-level strategies."
#EpiDissertation
Event details:
buff.ly/Vwqu843
5 months ago
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Whether you just crossed the stage or graduated years ago, you’re always part of the UW Epidemiology community. Stay connected with fellow alumni, get department news, and learn about upcoming events:
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Stay Connected
Sign up for our alumni newsletter
https://buff.ly/ZmHiXKy
5 months ago
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Celebrating when the odds are in our favor 😉, particularly due to our exceptional instructors like
@jessieish.bsky.social
and our
@uwepidemiology.bsky.social
students.
add a skeleton here at some point
5 months ago
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reposted by
UW Epidemiology
Washington State Department of Health
5 months ago
Know a person, team, or org in healthcare that's gone the extra mile to make a positive impact in Washington’s rural communities? Nominate them for the Rural Health Heroes Award! Nominations close Sept 4 at 5 pm.
heyor.ca/XKE7CC
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2025 Rural Health Heroes of Washington Nomination Form
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
https://heyor.ca/XKE7CC
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