Brings more than 20 years of experience in academic public health
Dana Loomis, Ph.D., has been named chairman of the epidemiology department in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health. He was formerly the director of the School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada-Reno.
"Dr. Loomis has authored more than 150 publications and has a long history of grant support as a senior researcher of occupational and environmental epidemiology," said Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., dean of UNMC’s College of Public Health. "Those accomplishments plus his 20 years of experience in academic public health make him an ideal fit for our department. I am excited that he is joining our growing college."
Epidemiology is more than just data analysis, Dr. Loomis said. It is an important tool for understanding the origins of human disease and the solutions to prevent it.
His research focus is on the link between exposure to asbestos and the development of cancer-particularly the materials in industry and consumer products. Understanding these mechanisms of cancer will improve the public health response to lung cancer, he said.
"I’m delighted to have the opportunity to participate in building a strong College of Public Health at UNMC," Dr. Loomis said. "In addition, I’m particularly impressed with the incredible support for this young college and look forward to its enhanced presence in the region and nation."
He will begin his appointment Sept. 1.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.