FEATURING: The MSc Epidemiology team of 2021

The new online MSc Epidemiology postgraduate programme aims to equip the epidemiological leaders of tomorrow with key foundational knowledge and a portfolio of statistical and data science skills to tackle contemporary challenges.  

To help you get to know the team behind the programme, here is an overview of the fantastic achievements and areas of interest in the team.  

Dr Caroline Jackson 

Programme Director 

Image

I completed my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with honours in immunology at the University of Edinburgh. During this time, I developed a keen interest in population health and was fortunate to be able to complete my own MSc in Epidemiology via online learning and a PhD in Stroke Epidemiology, whilst working as a research associate. Since then, I've worked with various groups in the academic sector and spent a few years in Brisbane, Queensland. I still miss the blue skies, the sound of the kookaburras and the dramatic storms! 

My research focuses on multimorbidity, particularly the interplay between mental illness and physical disease through the use of routinely collected linked electronic datasets and large cohort studies. Given my own MSc experience, I am delighted to be the online Epidemiology programme director and to be contributing to improving access to higher education. I'm thrilled to be working with such a wonderful team of colleagues. 

With two small children, I'm kept pretty busy outside of work! However, when I do get a free moment, I play the piano and enjoy reading. I particularly love a bit of escapism via fantasy fiction and am re-discovering the joy of children's books through bed-time stories with my kids! With a love of food (particularly Mexican and Thai food!) I’m secretly hoping that one of my children might one day become a chef.

Mental illness linked to worse heart attack outcomes - University of Edinburgh news

Dr Niall Anderson 

Programme Deputy Director 

Image

I am a medical statistician by profession, having completed a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Edinburgh in 1989 and then a Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Glasgow in 1992. I stayed in Glasgow to begin my professional career, initially within the Department of Statistics as a research assistant for 3 years, and then moved to the Department of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences as a lecturer in statistical genetics.

I stayed there until 2003, when I moved back to Edinburgh to a new lectureship in the Usher Institute (although it was not called that at the time!) intended to support genetic epidemiological research. I then gradually shifted to collaborating on more general (non-genetics) health research problems and became more and more involved in teaching medical statistics on the Master of Public Health programme, helping to run that programme and then eventually taking on its Co-Director role. That experience put me in an ideal position to help launch the MSc in Epidemiology as Deputy Director. 

Away from the University, I am kept pretty busy by a family of two boys and one cat. I am very passionate about traditional music from Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia, and have been known to play these with other enthusiasts in informal music sessions around Edinburgh (I play cittern and guitar). I am also involved in campaigning for safer road infrastructure for cycling in Edinburgh and across Scotland - something that would have both huge sustainability and public health benefits.

Suzanne Newall 

Programme Administrator 

Image

I completed an MA in Sociology followed by a PG Certificate in Community Education at Moray House, Edinburgh. I have worked for several years within health, social science and education, running projects for child and adult education projects. I have enjoyed supporting service users including young carers, those at risk from exclusion in education, refugees and those with additional needs such as disabilities, mental health issues and/ or substance use. 

With a keen interest in people, health, and a love for organisation, I very much enjoy my role as programme administrator which combines all three. My role involves all aspects of supporting students and staff in the non-academic running of the programme and I am often known for having a trusty notebook by my side. 

In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dog, cycling and spending time with family and friends. I love travelling and learning about and experiencing other cultures – particularly the food! Along with a bit of sunshine.

Dr Sophie Marion de Procé

Statistics Teaching Fellow

Image

I have a background in biological research, I obtained a BSc in Ecology and Biodiversity in Wellington, New Zealand, and a Master’s degree in Ecology, Biodiversity and Evolution in Toulouse, France. I moved to Scotland to do a PhD in population genetics and settled in Edinburgh. I have worked as a research fellow on several research projects involving fruit-fly genetics, human DNA evolution and cancer detection.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a keen interest and extensive knowledge in bioinformatics, statistics and programming.

I recently joined the MSc Epidemiology team as a Statistics Teaching Fellow and Lecturer. I love learning and helping others learn, so I’m enjoying my role very much.

My spare time has massively decreased since I had my son, but when I get the chance, I enjoy learning languages, reading, trying to play the guitar, performing improvised comedy. I also find cycling a great way to get around, and it’s the only way I will do exercise! On holiday, I really like to travel and discover new places, as well as visit my family in France.

If you have any questions about this programme, please email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk or if you want to read more details about the programme and even start an application, please visit:

MSc Epidemiology Degree Finder page