50 Careers for 50 Years: Myriam Torres
Clinical associate professor Myriam Torres has a long history with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, starting with two graduate degrees.
Public Health was defined by C-E.A. Winslow as the science and the art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical health and efficiency through organized community efforts with the goal of enabling every citizen to realize his/her birthright of health and longevity.
The disciplines of epidemiology and biostatistics are essential to achieving the goals of public health, and combining these two disciplines in a single department creates synergies for both training and research. Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Biostatisticians develop and apply statistical theory, methods and techniques to public health research data and the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs. Given the strong overlap, epidemiologists and biostatisticians often collaborate to work toward the shared goal of generating and analyzing data to advance the public’s health.
Within the department, the degree programs are administered under two separate streams, the Division of Epidemiology and Division of Biostatistics.
Find out more about the department and what we offer in our welcome from the Chair.
Degrees Offered
We offer eight advanced degrees in epidemiology and biostatistics. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements.
- Master of Science in Public Health in Biostatistics (MS)
- Ph.D. in Biostatistics
- Biostatistics - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Director:
Dr. Robert Moran, Graduate Director for Biostatistics
- Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH)
- ONLINE Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH)
- Master of Science in Epidemiology (MS)
- Ph.D. in Epidemiology
Directors:
- Dr. Susan Steck, Graduate Director for Epidemiology (MS and PhD)
- Dr. Myriam Torres, Epidemiology MPH Program Director
Directors:
- Dr. LInda Hazlett, MCH Certificate Program Director
Epidemiology and Biostatistics News
COVID-19 pandemic worsened mother, infant birth outcomes
Arnold School researchers associated with the South Carolina Smart State Center for Healthcare Quality have published new research in the Annals of Epidemiology regarding the impact of COVID-19 infections on women who were pregnant before and during the pandemic.
I Am Public Health: Xuanxuan Yu
This spring, Xuanxuan Yu will complete his third degree in biostatistics, but there was a time as an undergraduate when he didn’t have a clear understanding of the field. In his bachelor’s program at Nanjing Medical School Yu fell in love with the subject.
Why government can’t make America ‘healthier’ by micromanaging groceries purchased with SNAP benefits
Danielle Krobath, an assistant professor of epidemiology, writes for The Conversation with Tufts University Assistant Professor of Community Health Benjamin Chrisinger about their research into safety net programs, including SNAP benefits.
Prisma Health Research Seed Grants provide pathways to improve health in the state
Five projects supported by Prisma Health Research Seed Grants will be led by Arnold School researchers in 2025. Marta Bornstein (HPEB), Devin Bowes (ENHS)), Brian Chen (HSPM), Melissa Nolan (Epidemiology), and Elizabeth Regan (EXSC) each received up to $20,000.
Epidemiology student receives doctoral research award from American Public Health Association
Eric Mishio Bawa recently received the Laurence G Branch Doctoral Student Research Award from the American Public Health Association for his research into the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Doctoral graduate uses epidemiology to tackle the multifaceted challenges of HIV
Amandeep Kaur is committed to curbing the high rates of preventable health conditions in affected populations. Using her education and training from the Arnold School’s Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, she’s taking a unique approach.