Environmental Health Sciences

Molecular epidemiology grew out of the integration of laboratory-based, molecular toxicology approaches with a population-based, epidemiological approach to investigating and preventing environmental and occupational diseases. This fundamental paradigm shift, combining molecular biology and epidemiology, which originated within our Department in the early 1980s, now defines the majority of environmental health-related science around the world.

Environmental and Molecular Epidemiology track students are trained to be critical thinkers and equipped with the tools necessary to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of diseases, such as cancer. Students are taught the roles of molecular biology, genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, and biomarkers in order to prepare them for careers in this emerging field of public health. In addition, our students learn the health risks associated with exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants and their role(s) in the development of human disease and illness.

A major goal of molecular epidemiology is to identify early biomarkers of disease in order to identify individuals at risk and to therefore develop strategies for prevention or early treatment. Within our Department, much of this work is carried out in our two Centers: the NIEHS Center for Environmental Health in Northern Manhattan and Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, and through the Superfund Basic Research Program grant. Taught by faculty world-renowned for their pioneering and continuing work in this area, graduates of the Environmental and Molecular Epidemiology Track are well- positioned to meet the field’s critical challenges.

If you have any questions about this track, please contact Dr. Frederica Perera.