Edward S. Peters

Edward S. Peters is the Tim Hawks Chair in Cancer Prevention and Population Science and Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), serving as Chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the College of Public Health. He is also a Full Member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Dr. Peters holds a DMD from the University of Connecticut, a BA in Biology from Clark University, and multiple advanced degrees from Harvard University, including an ScD in Epidemiology.

• Education Highlights:
• 1999: ScD in Epidemiology, Harvard University
• 1995: SM in Epidemiology, Harvard University
• 1993: SM in Health Policy & Management, Harvard University
• 1990: DMD in Dentistry, University of Connecticut
• 1985: BA in Biology, Clark University

His research focuses on molecular and social-genomic approaches to understanding cancer disparities, with current projects examining the interplay between the built environment, stress, and cancer development. He leads studies on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill’s health effects and investigates epigenetic age acceleration linked to social stressors. Dr. Peters has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and received notable awards, including the James M. Dunning Award and the Pfizer/Salvatore Giorgianni Professorship.

• Awards:
• 2000: James M. Dunning Award
• 2010: Dr. Allen A. Copping Award
• 2016: Pfizer/Salvatore Giorgianni Professorship

Dr. Peters advises on grants related to cancer epidemiology and disparities, including roles in the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES). His lab collaborates with institutions like the Louisiana State University School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Ongoing initiatives include studies on environmental stressors in rural populations and interventions to reduce health inequities.