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Melissa Perry Elected Secretary of the American College of Epidemiology
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Chair Melissa Perry has been elected to the position of Secretary of the American College of Epidemiology, the professional organization dedicated to continued education and advocacy for epidemiologists in their efforts to promote good science and the public health. She will serve in the position for five years, beginning in 2012. Perry joined the College in 1999, became a Fellow in 2009, and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2008.
“The American College of Epidemiology plays an important role in advancing the practice and profession of epidemiology,” Perry explains. “In the years I have been involved with the College, I have been amazed by how the popularity of the profession has grown. People are better able to recognize that health is not just about treating disease, and epidemiology is a key tool to identify causes and prevent disease.”
The American College of Epidemiology sponsors scientific meetings and publications, recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of epidemiology, and advocates for policies and actions that enhance the science and practice of epidemiology. Perry emphasizes that it also plays an important role in mentoring epidemiologists-in-training. Doctoral students of epidemiology can join as associate members and benefit from guidance from their more-experienced peers.