M. Daniele Fallin

M. Daniele Fallin is the James W. Curran Dean of Public Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. She holds a PhD in genetic epidemiology from Case Western Reserve University and has over 250 scientific publications. Her research focuses on neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, with an emphasis on genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. She leads NIH- and CDC-funded projects and has directed major studies like the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) and the B’more Healthy Baby and Child Development (HBCD) initiative. Previously, she chaired the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and directed the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, University of Florida–Gainesville
• PhD in Genetic Epidemiology, Case Western Reserve University

Research Interests:

Dr. Fallin’s work integrates genetic and epigenetic methods to study mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her recent studies explore environmental influences, maternal nutrition, and epigenetic modifications linked to autism and cardiovascular disease. She advocates for public mental health initiatives, including workplace and school-based programs.

Grants & Leadership:

• Principal Investigator of NIH-funded HBCD study
• Co-led Maryland’s POE Center for Workplace Mental Health

Labs & Collaborations:

She oversees the Rollins School of Public Health’s epidemiology and genetic epidemiology programs, fostering interdisciplinary research on global public health challenges.