Kristen Beyer

Kristen Beyer is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Health and Society, Medical College of Wisconsin, and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography. She holds a PhD in Geography (2009), an MPH in Global Health (2005), and an MS in Clinical and Translational Science (Epidemiology track) (2012) from the University of Iowa and Medical College of Wisconsin.

• PhD, Geography, University of Iowa, 2009
• MPH, Global Health, University of Iowa, 2005
• MS, Clinical and Translational Science (Epidemiology track), Medical College of Wisconsin, 2012

Her research focuses on human-environment interactions in public health, combining health geography, spatial epidemiology, and mixed methods to study disease patterns and disparities. She investigates neighborhood characteristics like green space, redlining, and racial segregation to address chronic disease (cancer, cardiovascular, mental health) disparities locally in Milwaukee and globally in East Africa. She emphasizes community engagement in research and teaching.

Beyer leads academic programs as Director of the PhD Program in Public and Community Health, Co-Director of the Global Health Pathway for medical students, and Co-Director of the Geospatial, Epidemiology and Outcomes (GEO) shared resource at the MCW Cancer Center. Her work bridges geography and public health, addressing inequities through spatial analysis and community collaboration.