About Population Science and Policy's work

The work in epidemiology and biostatistics at SIU School of Medicine is centered on conducting research and education that directly benefit the health of residents in central and southern Illinois. With a multidisciplinary team skilled in public health, epidemiology, statistics, and health policy, the focus is on hypothesis-driven, federally funded research that addresses key public health concerns. Projects are actively tackling the elimination of HIV, HCV, and STDs among people who inject drugs, reducing cancer health disparities, and improving health outcomes among sexual and gender minority populations. Academically, this area translates its research into educational materials for medical students and residents, equipping future healthcare providers with critical skills in data interpretation and evidence-based practice. Collaboration with other areas and state agencies ensures that findings are applied to both clinical and public health settings.

Efforts in community development emphasize working alongside local populations to co-create strategies that address health and social challenges specific to each setting. Using a mixed-methods approach, projects are designed to integrate community input, cultural context, and local priorities. This includes initiatives like the David A. Imler Youth Assessment and Nokomis Next, which implemented schoolwide assessments based on risk and protective factors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, community engagement was pivotal in developing resources for teachers adapting to remote learning. Additional work, such as Community Health Needs Assessments, supports hospitals and organizations in identifying and responding to the health needs of their service areas. These efforts help build trust and long-term solutions by ensuring that interventions are grounded in real-world community dynamics.

Work in health services research focuses on identifying and addressing the structural factors that influence health, such as access to housing, healthcare, education, and legal support. This area uses research evidence to influence health-related policies and reduce disparities across the 66-county region served by SIU. Notable initiatives include the Illinois Rural Health Summit, which convened experts and stakeholders to create a blueprint for improving rural health. Programs such as the Medical Legal Partnership address the legal needs of low-income patients by integrating legal aid with clinical care, and the Veteran’s Summit recognizes and responds to the unique healthcare challenges faced by veterans. These initiatives reflect a systemic approach to improving health equity through policy-informed action.

Across all focus areas, data analytics plays a foundational role by supporting data-driven decision-making and program evaluation. Whether measuring cancer incidence or evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions, data is used to highlight disparities, monitor progress, and guide future strategies. Combining quantitative metrics with qualitative insights from communities ensures that the data reflects both statistical trends and lived experiences. Strategic partnerships with state agencies and institutions bolster the ability to conduct large-scale data collection and sophisticated analyses. This integrated approach transforms raw data into actionable insights that inform educational content, community programming, and policy recommendations—ultimately driving meaningful improvements in health outcomes.