Melinda Irwin

Melinda L. Irwin, PhD, MPH, is the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology and Associate Dean of Research at the Yale School of Public Health. She serves as Deputy Director of the Yale Cancer Center and Deputy Director (Public Health) in the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation. Her leadership extends to co-chairing the SWOG Cancer Research Network Cancer Survivorship Committee and directing NCI-funded training programs such as the Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program and the Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (TREC) initiative.

• MPH, University of Washington (2001)
• PhD, University of South Carolina (1999)
• MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994)
• BS, College of William and Mary (1992)

Dr. Irwin’s research focuses on cancer prevention and survivorship, specifically through exercise and weight loss interventions. Her work examines biological markers, treatment side effects, and quality of life improvements in cancer patients, with emphasis on marginalized populations like Black and Latina women. She leads clinical trials such as the NCI-funded TEAL study for gynecological cancers and the LEANer trial for breast cancer.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding accelerated aging in cancer, barriers to lifestyle changes, and diet-cancer associations. Her team’s work spans breast, ovarian, colorectal, and head/neck cancers, integrating biomarker analysis, inflammatory pathways, and health equity into intervention design.

Scientific Awards:

• Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program (2018)

Dr. Irwin mentors over 100 trainees and secures funding from the NIH, American Cancer Society, and Livestrong Foundation. She leads the Irwin Lab (LEAN Study) and collaborates with teams like the Obesity Research Working Group and Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer (TREC) Training Program.