Stephen L Buka

Stephen L Buka is Professor of Epidemiology and was Founding Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health. As an epidemiologist, his work centers on the causes and prevention of neuropsychiatric disorders with extensive research in neuropsychology and psychiatric epidemiology. He directs major longitudinal studies examining the impact of birth complications, environmental hazards, and socioeconomic conditions on behavioral and intellectual development.

Dr. Buka's research focuses on neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric epidemiology, and developmental origins of health and disease. His work examines how prenatal and early life factors influence later mental and physical health outcomes. He has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between birth complications, environmental exposures, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. His research spans epidemiology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and public health with emphasis on sex differences and gene-environment interactions.

Dr. Buka's publication record demonstrates sophisticated longitudinal designs including sibling comparisons and multi-generational approaches. Recent publications show increasing integration of biological markers with traditional epidemiological methods, reflecting a trend toward mechanistic understanding of disease pathways. His work frequently addresses sex differences and the interplay between genetic and environmental factors across the lifespan.

• Served as PI of Providence, RI and Bristol County, MA sites of the National Children's Study
• Member of NCS Executive Steering Committee for 7 years
• Served on Institute of Medicine expert committees
• Advisory roles to multiple federal and state agencies

Dr. Buka originated and directs the New England Family Study, a prospective three-generation study of over 5000 participants from the National Collaborative Perinatal Project. This landmark study combines family design, discordant sibling sets, molecular genetics, biological assays, and psychiatric/neuropsychological assessments to investigate developmental origins of health and disease.