The Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine at UNM is dedicated to improving public health through innovative research, education, and service. We conduct research in collaboration with local, national, and international partners aiming to have a positive impact on the lives of people in New Mexico, the United States, and abroad.
Our faculty mentor students across various programs, including public health, clinical research, and preventive medicine residency. We also provide leadership in occupational and environmental health through the UNM Center for Occupational and Environmental Health Promotion. The Page Research Group works with diverse populations to improve health outcomes related to substance use behaviors and treatment, harm reduction, homelessness, diabetes, HIV, and pain management. Many of our faculty conduct research within the UNM Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) - designated cancer center in the state of New Mexico.
The KDPI score had been used to evaluate the quality of a deceased donor kidney for kidney allocation in the US, with (Black) donor race being an indicator of lower quality (shorter kidney function post-transplant). In October 2024, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) of DHHS implemented a policy change removing race from the KDPI. Work at UNM HSC by researchers at DOIM nephology and EBPM divisions provided the primary scientific support for this policy change and is cited in the HRSA report. The UNMHSC research found that Black donor race is at the best a convenient proxy of clinical conditions which explain the quality of a kidney donor and should be used instead. The research team currently conduct further work to communicate risks and benefits of deceased kidney transplants to aid clinical decision making.
Submitted by Yiliang Zhu
Sarah Nash, PhD, MPH, CPH, is an Associate Professor in the Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Co-Director of the New Mexico Tumor Registry, and Member of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Cancer Control and Population Sciences program. Prior to joining UNM in August 2025, she was an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, Co-Lead for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Director of Research, Analytics and Dissemination at the Iowa Cancer Registry. Dr. Nash also served as the Cancer Surveillance Director at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium from 2015-2021. Dr Nash’s research bridges population-based data science and community-based work to address cancer health equity, specifically focused on American Indian and Alaska Native disparities in cancer care and outcomes, as well as weight-based and rural health disparities. Dr. Nash has a broad training in cancer prevention, cancer surveillance, nutrition epidemiology, and community engagement, and strives to combine these interests in a diverse research program that directly benefits communities. We are so grateful to have you join us, welcome!
Congratulations to our Unit Administrator, Taylor Croteau, on receiving the Dean’s Staff Award! This well-deserved recognition highlights Taylor’s hard work, dedication, and the positive impact she brings to our department every day. We’re so proud and grateful to have her as part of our team.
