Kelly R. Ylitalo

Kelly R. Ylitalo is an Associate Professor and Director of the PhD in Public Health Program in the Department of Public Health at Baylor University, where she has served as full-time faculty since 2015.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Epidemiological Science from the University of Michigan School of Public Health (2012)
• Postdoctoral fellowship in Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes at the University of Michigan Medical School

With over 15 years of expertise in epidemiologic methods and quantitative analysis, her research examines physical functioning trajectories across the lifespan, emphasizing how equitable health opportunities, physical activity patterns, dietary behaviors, and fall prevention influence disability and healthy aging in mid-life and older adults. Her work integrates longitudinal cohort analysis with community-based evaluation frameworks.

Dr. Ylitalo serves nationally as an Independent Investigator for the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) longitudinal cohort and provides research strategy consultation to local clinical and public health organizations. She teaches core epidemiology courses including PUBH 3351, PUBH 5337, and PUBH 5348.