I am delighted to announce that Katie Biello, Ph.D., MPH has agreed to serve as the next chair of the Department of Epidemiology, effective July 1, 2024. In addition to her new role as chair, she will also serve as director of the Center for Epidemiologic Research and maintain her appointments as Professor of Epidemiology and Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Her years of experience at the School of Public Health will provide a solid foundation for the Department of Epidemiology.
In accepting this appointment, Katie returns to her roots in epidemiology. She is a leading scholar in HIV and health equity, a sought-after mentor by our graduate students, and an adept department leader, having served as the Interim Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) for the last year.
During her time as Interim Chair, I’ve witnessed Katie bring the faculty voice to the table, prioritize professional development for faculty and students, and build relationships with students to ensure they have the best experience possible. Her advocacy for faculty and students is steady and inspiring. I look forward to seeing her continuing impact in this new role.
Last month Joe Braun, RN, MSPH, Ph.D., Professor of Epidemiology, stepped into the Interim Chair role in Epidemiology. His leadership during his tenure, while brief, has been invaluable, and even in this period of time, Joe has begun to make a real impact on the department. I am so thankful to Joe for his leadership.
We have also been conducting a search for a permanent chair of BSS. That search continues, and with Katie stepping into this new and critical role she will be stepping down as Interim Chair of BSS. I will soon announce who will be replacing her as the Interim Chair of BSS.
I know this continues to be a moment of transition in key leadership roles at our school. With Katie taking on the permanent role as Chair of the Department of Epidemiology, one more key part of our School’s leadership team is now in place. And I am so very pleased she has agreed to do this. Please join me in congratulating her on this new role.
Sincerely,
Ashish K. Jha M.D., MPH
Dean, School of Public Health
Professor of Health Services, Policy, and Practice