Ph.D. in Epidemiology Program Supports Student Attendance and Presentations at SER Mid-Year Meeting
The Ph.D. in Epidemiology program provides students with opportunities to present their research, engage with experts, and advance their academic and professional development.
With department support, students attended the virtual Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) Mid-Year Meeting, held virtually from February 10–14, 2025, at no cost.
The meeting featured oral and poster presentations, networking events, and discussions on emerging epidemiologic research. By covering student membership fees, the program ensures that all doctoral students can participate, allowing them to share their work with the broader epidemiology community while fostering valuable professional connections.
Investigating the Link Between Food Allergies and Asthma
Ph.D. student Saurabh Kalra presented his research on the association between food allergies and asthma among adolescents, examining whether those with food allergies face an increased risk of developing asthma.
His findings align with the atopic march—the progressive development of allergic diseases, often beginning with eczema and food allergies in infancy, followed by asthma and allergic rhinitis later in life.
While prior studies have suggested connections between allergic conditions and respiratory diseases in small clinical populations, Kalra’s research provides a broader epidemiological perspective that is generalizable to non-clinical populations using a nationally representative dataset.
Leveraging National Data for Public Health Insights
Using data from a large sample of U.S. adolescents, Kalra conducted a secondary analysis to explore associations between self-reported food allergies and physician-diagnosed asthma.
Regression models were applied to account for potential confounders, including age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, chronic illnesses, and depressive symptoms. This approach allowed for a more precise assessment of the association between food allergies and asthma, strengthening evidence for the role of allergic sensitization in respiratory health.
Saurabh Kalra, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Association Between Food Allergy and Asthma Among a Representative Sample of Adolescents in the United States.
Need for Early Screening
Kalra’s analysis revealed a significant association between food allergies and asthma, with adolescents diagnosed with food allergies showing a higher likelihood of developing asthma. These results support the need for early screening and intervention strategies to identify at-risk individuals and help prevent the progression of food allergies to other allergic conditions.
Expanding Opportunities for Doctoral Students
WayWay Hlaing, M.S., Ph.D., professor and director of the Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, emphasized the value of professional conference participation.
“Membership and attendance in professional organization meetings foster a sense of community and belonging,” she said. Dr. Hlaing noted that most Ph.D. students attended the meeting, and those unable to participate had access to recordings of the live sessions.
SER plays a pivotal role in advancing epidemiologic research and education. The organization publishes the American Journal of Epidemiology and Epidemiologic Reviews and hosts annual meetings that include symposia, student awards, and expert-led discussions.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on February 24, 2025.
