UW Department of Epidemiology

09/01/2026

The federal government is cracking down on potent kratom-related compounds, but what happens next?

UW Epidemiology professor Caleb Banta-Green, director of the Center for Community-Engaged Drug Education, Epidemiology and Research at the Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute, told CNN that people who depend on potent kratom-related compounds could face withdrawal or turn to riskier alternatives following the DEA’s new ban. https://buff.ly/8rdQVzE

The US Drug Enforcement Administration has made three synthetic versions of a kratom compound Schedule I substances on an emergency basis.

08/26/2026

A new study led by UW Epidemiology alum Austin Hammermeister Suger (PhD, 20206), suggests hereditary cancer risk may be more interconnected than we think.

Analyzing genetic and health data from more than 729,000 people, researchers identified 33 genes where rare, damaging mutations were associated with increased risk across multiple cancer types. These findings help us understand how genetic mutations affect underlying biological processes and could inform new approaches to screening or patient care. https://buff.ly/vtlM2ID

08/20/2026

Congratulations to UW Epi faculty member Ramya Kumar on receiving the AIDS 2026 Implementation Science Research Prize in HIV Prevention in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The award recognizes the highest-scoring abstract demonstrating innovation, originality, sound rationale and quality in implementation science advancing global HIV prevention. Ramya shared the recognition with Adriano Queiroz da Silva and Samuel Elliot Owusu for their work presented at AIDS 2026.

08/20/2026

Wildfire smoke is a growing public health threat in Washington, but its impacts are not felt equally. A new Seattle Medium article explores how wildfire smoke can pose greater health risks for some of Washington’s most vulnerable communities.

UW Epidemiology professors Anjum Hajat and Joan Casey are helping advance our understanding of how environmental exposures like wildfire smoke affect health and communities. Casey’s research, in particular, examines the health impacts of wildfire smoke and how those risks can extend beyond immediate respiratory effects.

As wildfire seasons become more frequent and severe, understanding who is most vulnerable as well as how to better protect communities is an increasingly important public health priority.

Read the full article from The Seattle Medium: https://buff.ly/AC6hurw

As wildfire smoke continues to affect Washington, public health experts are warning that exposure to smoke, particularly during periods of poor air quality, can affect more than the lungs, with research linking it to respiratory and cardiovascular problems and emerging concerns about mental health.....

08/18/2026

Proposed changes to the childhood vaccination schedule are raising questions for parents as children head back to school. Among the experts helping put these changes in context is UW Epidemiology Professor Helen Chu, a physician and infectious disease expert who has studied vaccines and immunization for years.

Chu has raised concerns about changes to vaccine recommendations that are not grounded in the scientific evidence behind the current schedule. Her expertise is especially important as families navigate conflicting messages about vaccines and how best to protect their children.

Read more from KIRO 7 about what the proposed changes could mean for Washington families: https://buff.ly/cckuW9q

“[The change] makes it more confusing for parents: what do we do, who do we trust, but also makes it more complicated for kids,” Polo said.

08/03/2026

As inflation and SNAP cuts are driving record food insecurity, three Tri-City religious organizations have partnered to try to fill the gap. Almost half of all WA state households rely on some type of food assistance. Epi professor Marie Spiker shares the impacts on physical and mental health when families cut back on food. https://buff.ly/Pw7pEzG

Half of Washington residents surveyed in 2026 said they now use some type of food assistance.

07/15/2026

University of Washington researchers are helping lead the new NIH-funded Population Genomic Screening Network (PGSN), a national initiative that will pilot genomic screening in primary care settings for hereditary conditions where early detection can improve health outcomes.

UW Epidemiology Associate Professor and Institute of Public Health Genetics Director Alison Fohner says the project represents an important shift from reactive to proactive healthcare. By studying how to implement population genomic screening ethically and equitably, the network aims to expand access to genetic testing, reduce health disparities, and generate evidence that can help health systems in Washington and across the country bring the benefits of genomics to more people.

University of Washington School of Public Health researchers are part of the new Population Genomic Screening Network (PGSN), an NIH-funded program piloting community-level testing for well-understood genetic conditions.

07/13/2026

For graduate students interested in applied epidemiology, few practicum experiences offer the opportunity to contribute to public health during one of the world’s largest sporting events. https://buff.ly/cE6hdn5

06/12/2026

People in Seattle took more than 10.5 million e-scooter and e-bike trips last year. But in 2024 Harborview treated 163 serious injuries from e-scooters or e-bikes. UW Epi professor Steve Mooney talks with KUOW about injury prevention.

People in Seattle took more than 10.5 million e-scooter and e-bike trips last year. But scooters can be a risky choice. Harborview treated 163 serious injuries from e-scooters or e-bikes in 2024. Recently, Seattle began requiring companies to use technology to prevent people from riding on the sidew...

06/11/2026

Don't miss Riffat Ara Shawon's defense: "Malnutrition Among Children Under Five with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Identifying and Managing Risk." Come show your support TOMORROW, and congratulations, Riffat! Event details: https://buff.ly/KH1xGcA