DeWan Appointed Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Andrew DeWan, PhD, MPH, has been appointed as the Yale School of Public Health’s new Director of Graduate Studies effective Oct. 1, Dean Megan L. Ranney announced Friday.

An Associate Professor of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, DeWan has served as director and co-director of the Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology (CPPEE) for the past six years. He has 20 years of experience at YSPH, having first arrived at the school in 2005 as a postdoctoral associate in the Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology. In 2012, DeWan was honored with the Distinguished Student Mentor Award.

“Having served on our Graduate Studies Executive Committee for many years, Andy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role,” Ranney said in announcing DeWan’s appointment in a schoolwide email. “He is deeply committed to the intellectual growth of our PhD and MS students and the continued success of these programs. He will provide both continuity and outstanding leadership to our PhD and MS programs. “

DeWan is a genetic epidemiologist whose research focuses on extending and applying analytical methods to identify genetic susceptibility variants for complex traits. He recently served a three-year term as a member of the Program Committee for the American Society of Human Genetics, the primary scientific organization for human geneticists worldwide. DeWan has a BS in biology from Brandeis University, an MPH in epidemiology from the University of Minnesota, and a PhD in statistical genetics from Rockefeller University.

"I am excited to take on this important role and support the academic journeys of our PhD and MS students at YSPH," DeWan said.

DeWan replaces Dr. Christian Tschudi, who has stepped down after 16 years of dedicated service. Ranney extended her heartfelt gratitude for Tschudi’s service Friday. “Chris's exceptional leadership and commitment to our PhD program have been invaluable, significantly contributing to the success of our students,” Ranney said.

In conjunction with the transition in leadership, Ranney announced the launch of an ad hoc committee that will review YSPH’s PhD program. The PhD Program Review Committee will be co-chaired by Dr. Virginia Pitzer, ScD, associate professor of epidemiology (microbial diseases) and Teresa Hartnett, YSPH director of financial strategy and administration. Its charge will be to evaluate the PhD program's financial, organizational, and educational aspects to ensure its sustainability and excellence. Listening sessions and focus group meetings will be held with stakeholders and community members over the next 3-6 months.

“The PhD program's success is crucial to the school's research and education goals, and the equitable support of superb students remains our core mission,” Ranney said. “Providing five years of tuition and stipend to all of our PhD students remains our commitment; we also have the chance to assess the current model from the perspective of financial structure, curricular structure, and equity and transparency. We are glad to have the opportunity to think proactively about how to ensure our program continues to be excellent, transparent, and sustainable in the future.”

Ranney said the school will not be evaluating its MS programming at this time.