Timothy L. Lash, DSc, MPH, has been appointed as Rollins Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Emory Rollins School of Public Health, effective June 2018.

A nationally recognized authority on cancer research, Lash's work primarily focuses on predictors of cancer recurrence and the use of adjuvant cancer therapies in low-resource settings.

"The faculty, staff and students at Rollins are committed to the highest standards of scholarship, teaching and service," says Lash. "It's a privilege to work with them. I'm humbled and exhilarated to be invited to serve as chair."

Lash is also program leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute, Honorary Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at Aarhus University and a member of both the American Association of Cancer Research and the Society of Epidemiologic Research. He is a prolific writer who has co-authored two textbooks, published work in a number of preeminent scientific journals and serves as the editor-in-chief of Epidemiology.  

"After an extensive national search, I think it demonstrates the depth and breadth of talent at Rollins to have found our chair so close to home,” said James W. Curran, MD, MPH, Dean of the Rollins School of Public Health. "We are fortunate to have Tim’s expertise and leadership, and I feel confident in his ability to advance Rollins' research and education efforts and reputation on a global level."

Having served as professor of epidemiology at Rollins for the last five years, Lash’s previous experience includes professorships at Wake Forest University, Aarhus University and Boston University.

Lash succeeds Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD, who chaired the department for eight years. Vaccarino will continue at Rollins as the Wilton Looney Professor of Cardiovascular Research.