PhD in Epidemiology

Carlos’ research interests are epidemiologically based, focused on primarily on the study of disease and disease prevention. Her specific interests are surrounding chronic diseases, specifically the impact that physical activity and other lifestyle-related factors have in the current era in the context of larger social factors. She has worked for the California Department of Public Health, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Hoag Hospital, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Dai’s research interests include diabetes, diabetes treatments, dementia risk, and health disparities. My current work focuses on investigating the associations between different anti-diabetic medications and dementia risk among Native Americans with diabetes, and examine if time-related biases will impact the effects of anti-diabetic medications on dementia risk using health care administrative data.

Ferdos’ research interests include genetic epidemiology, metabolic syndrome, environmental exposures, and cancer research. She has previously worked on GWAS’s of gene by smoking interaction on Type 2 Diabetes.

My primary areas of research center on type 2 diabetes, nutrition, and metabolic diseases. These interests are shaped by my academic background in psychology and my practical experience in community engagement. I am currently focusing on exploring the interplay between type 2 diabetes and the gut microbiome, with a specific emphasis on investigating dietary interventions and the influence of psychosocial determinants.

My research interests are broadly in social determinants and preventive behaviors for the underserved communities. I also have a strong interest in intervention design. My interests are informed from my academic background in health communication and my professional background in public relations. During my graduate studies in Hong Kong, I carried out a research project about college students’ risk perception towards cervical cancer, and its relationship with the intention to receive the HPV vaccine.

Navsarias’ research interests are cancer epidemiology based with a focus on health disparities, cancer prevention and skin cancer epidemiology. Her research to date has focused on patient-oriented skin cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention. She has specific interests in how race and ethnicity affects treatment, care and health outcomes.

Awards & Fellowships: The Program in Public Health’s Dean Fellowship

Simon’s research interests primarily center around the prevention of chronic metabolic and renal disorders. His dissertation research aims to improve risk prediction of type 2 diabetes in diverse, at-risk populations using advanced approaches in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology. Prior to joining UCI, Simon worked as a research associate in the Division of Nephrology at UCLA Health and has many years of experience in clinical research.

Awards & Fellowships:

• University of Washington Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics (SISG) Fellowship-Summer 2021, Summer 2022
• Division of Teaching Excellence and Innovation (DTEI) Graduate Fellowship- Summer 2022
• Graduate Dean’s Dissertation Fellowship (GDDF)- Summer 2023

Tu’s research interests focus on nutrition and cancer epidemiology, with a specific emphasis on malnutrition, food insecurity, sarcopenia, frailty, and their impact on clinical outcomes in vulnerable populations such as older adults and Black female breast cancer survivors. I am particularly interested in translating findings into community-based interventions to address health disparities.

I have a keen interest in epidemiology, particularly with a focus on infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and their impact on children, especially those from underrepresented communities. I am committed to exploring the intricate dynamics of disease transmission, risk factors, and the unique challenges faced by children of color in dealing with disease. By examining the disparities in infection rates and health outcomes, my aim is to contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies to better protect and support these vulnerable populations.