300x300.png)
Welcome to the Department of Epidemiology
A Message from the Chair
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health.
I’m honored to serve as Chair at this exciting moment in our school’s history. As one of the foundational departments in a newly established school, we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of public health: both through the strength of our science and the values of our community.
We are a dedicated department, with a growing commitment to advancing population health through rigorous research, inclusive education, and collaborative partnerships. As Chair, I’m focused on building a strong, vibrant department that supports innovation, nurtures talent, and responds to the complex challenges facing public health today.
My vision is rooted in creating a welcoming and supportive environment, one where every student, faculty member, and staff colleague feels valued and heard. We thrive when we work together, learn from one another, and foster a culture of mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and shared purpose.
Over the coming years, we plan to expand our faculty expertise and enhance our curriculum to include cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary methods, and prepare students to lead with both technical skill and social responsibility. We are also building connections across departments, schools, and external partners to amplify our collective impact in research and practice.
Whether you're a prospective student, faculty member, staff professional, or collaborator, we invite you to explore our department and engage with our work. We’re excited about what lies ahead and welcome opportunities to connect.
Warmly,
Samar R. El Khoudary, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Chair, Department of Epidemiology
School of Public Health at VCU