Edward S. Peters

Dr. Edward S. Peters is an Adjunct Professor at the LSU School of Public Health’s Epidemiology Program and an Epidemiologist with the Louisiana Tumor Registry. He has been affiliated with LSU since 2004, leading the development of the MPH and Ph.D. programs in Epidemiology. His research focuses on cancer epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, and health disparities, with a particular emphasis on ovarian, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. He co-leads the Women’s and Their Children’s Health Study examining the health impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Education:

• ScD in Epidemiology, Harvard University School of Public Health (1999)
• SM in Health Policy & Management, Harvard University (1995)
• DMD, University of Connecticut School of Dentistry (1990)
• BA in Biology, Clark University (1985)

Research Interests:

Dr. Peters’ work integrates molecular and classical epidemiology to study cancer etiology, heterogeneity, and survival. Key areas include:

• Molecular characterization of cancer susceptibility (e.g., epigenetics, stress/inflammation pathways)
• Social determinants of health and their influence on disease outcomes
• Cancer prevention, control, and survivorship in underserved populations
• Transdisciplinary approaches linking environmental factors to health disparities

Recent Research Trends:

His recent articles emphasize:

• Neighborhood and social determinants of cancer survival
• Rural-urban disparities in cancer care and outcomes
• Psychosocial factors (e.g., stress, trauma) in cancer progression
• Environmental exposures (e.g., oil spills, air pollution) and health impacts

Teaching and Leadership:

Dr. Peters directs the LSU School of Public Health’s Epidemiology Data Center and has held leadership roles, including:

• Full Professor, Tenured (since 2017)
• Former Assistant Chief for Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Grants and Collaborations:

His research is supported by collaborations with institutions such as the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Labs/Teams:

Leads the Epidemiology Data Center, providing research infrastructure for regional investigators, and collaborates on projects like the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES).