Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases

Infectious diseases are leading causes of global mortality and morbidity. Therefore, advancing our understanding of the epidemiology of infectious diseases is crucial to public health.

"What I think is perhaps most impressive about the scope of research that’s happening in EMD (Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases) is that it focuses on important infections that are occurring literally around the corner to what’s happening on the other side of the world," says Michael Cappello, Chair of the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at the Yale School of Public Health. "One of the things that our department is certainly known for is not just the ability to do cutting-edge research, but also hands-on, intensely mentored research experience to fill in that next generation of research leaders."

In this video, Cappello also discusses the department's profound impacts on the COVID-19 pandemic, from understanding the transmission of the virus, to developing new ways to diagnose infection and track transmission, to modeling the impact of vaccination and other control measures, to contact tracing and advising on policies. "I really can say with confidence that there’s not a single unit on campus that has had a more positive impact in helping to guide the response in an evidence-based and responsible way than EMD, and frankly has saved lives," he says.