Karen Edwards, a genetic epidemiologist, has been appointed the chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington School of Public Health (UW SPH).
Edwards is scheduled to begin her appointment as chair and professor of epidemiology March 1, 2025. She succeeds Professor Janet Baseman, who served as interim chair since July 2023.
"I am particularly impressed by Karen’s warm, collegial nature, her commitment to stakeholder engagement and shared governance, and the depth of her leadership experience,” said Dean Hilary Godwin. “Karen brings a unique ‘insider/outsider’ perspective to the role of department chair; it is hard to imagine a better fit for our department and School."
Edwards received her Ph.D. from the UW Department of Epidemiology and was on the UW SPH faculty for 15 years. During her time at the UW, she was promoted to full professor and served as director of the Institute for Public Health Genetics.
For the last decade, Edwards has been a tenured full professor in the Department of Epidemiology at University of California, Irvine (UCI), where she held several leadership roles, including interim chair of the Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, chair of the Department of Epidemiology, and interim associate dean for Academic Affairs in the Program in Public Health. She has also played major leadership roles at UCI’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and has been active in UCI’s Faculty Senate, most recently serving as chair of the UCI Academic Senate Council on Equity and Inclusion.
Edwards' work is focused on using multivariate approaches to understand genetics, environment (particularly diet), and how the interactions between them influence disease phenotype. Her genetic epidemiology research covers a broad range of conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, melanoma and Parkinson’s Disease.
"Epidemiology plays a central role in enhancing population health, which encompasses not just the absence of disease but also physical, mental and social well-being,” Edwards said. “Together, we will develop a shared vision to articulate how our efforts inform, advocate for, and promote concrete actions to improve health and well-being. We will strive to create an environment that encourages impactful, high-quality research, including partnerships with communities and interdisciplinary approaches to achieve our mission. Additionally, it is vital that we uphold rigorous training in epidemiologic methods and excellence in teaching and practice.”
As chair of the Department of Epidemiology, Edwards will collaborate with faculty, staff and students to enhance the department's research, education and service activities. The department has more than 250 students, 50 core faculty, and is a national leader in research, education and service in the pursuit of health equity.
“We know that addressing significant public health challenges requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and my priority is to foster a department culture where every contribution is valued and every individual is supported,” Edwards said. “I am thrilled to return to the UW SPH and honored to serve as chair of the Department of Epidemiology.”