Tara McAlexander

Tara McAlexander, PhD, MPH, serves as an Assistant Research Professor of Epidemiology at the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health. With a robust background in environmental epidemiology, her research primarily investigates the intricate relationships between community and environmental exposures and their impact on cardio-metabolic diseases. Her work is pivotal in understanding how various factors contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Dr. McAlexander's research interests are diverse and encompass a wide array of topics including nutrition, spatial analysis, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to better understand health outcomes. She is also deeply involved in developing advanced data analysis methods and statistical modeling techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of epidemiological studies. Her commitment to exploring the connections between health and the built environment is evident in her work, which often addresses health disparities and the role of occupational health in public health outcomes. Her academic journey began with a BA in Environmental Science from Barnard College, Columbia University, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors in public health. She furthered her expertise by obtaining an MPH in Environmental and Molecular Epidemiology from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a PhD in Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. McAlexander's research is not only theoretical but also practical, as she actively engages in emergency preparedness initiatives and examines the effects of environmental exposures on public health. Her work is instrumental in shaping policies and interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and improving overall community health. Through her research, Dr. McAlexander strives to bridge the gap between environmental science and public health, ensuring that her findings translate into actionable insights that benefit communities. Her dedication to advancing the field of epidemiology is reflected in her numerous contributions to academic literature and her ongoing commitment to mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.