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 to address clinical and community health challenges.
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 and other community-focused initiatives.
Dr. Denece Kesler is retiring after a fulfilling career, including over 26 years of dedicated service at UNM. During her time here, she founded and directed the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health Promotion, which includes the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic and the UNM Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program. Dr. Kesler also established and served as Program Director of the UNM Public Health and General Preventive Medicine Residency Program.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kesler served as a consultant to various university departments and community organizations, with a focus on worker health and safety in research facilities—a role that led her to author several reference book chapters. Her leadership extended nationally as she held key positions within the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Preventive Medicine, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the ACGME Preventive Medicine Residency Review Committee. Her impact on public health, preventive medicine, and medical education will be felt for years to come. We’re so grateful for all she’s contributed and wish her all the best in her next chapter!
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Sajith De Silva to the Division as a Senior Biostatistician. He holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from The University of Texas at Dallas and brings expertise in causal inference, survival analysis, and longitudinal data methods. Dr. De Silva has held research roles at Merck, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Penn State, with work spanning clinical trials, real-world evidence, and public health. He is skilled in R, SAS, and Python, and has developed interactive tools to support statistical analysis. We’re thrilled to have him on board!
