Jeffrey VanWormer, Ph.D., has accepted the director position for Marshfield Clinic Research Institute's Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health (CCEPH). A research scientist at the Research Institute since 2011, he has served in the role as interim director for nearly a year.
“Dr. VanWormer has led CCEPH with vision and has been an excellent partner helping to guide both the center and the Research Institute to thrive," said Chief Research Officer and MCRI Executive Director Jennifer Meece, Ph.D.
Dr. VanWormer joined the Research Institute after completing his doctoral degree at the University of Minnesota. He has a strong and sustained track record of scientific productivity, including nearly 100 peer-reviewed research publications over the past decade and has anchored over $5 million in external research revenue during this time. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of primary prevention of cardiometabolic disease, community risk factor surveillance, and agricultural injury and illness surveillance methods.
“Under the prior direction of Dr. Ed Belongia and the tireless work of many great scientists and staff, CCEPH has become a national leader in population health and clinical outcomes research," Dr. VanWormer said. “I am humbled and honored to help carry on that track record of successful, consequential epidemiologic research well into the future."
In 2023, Dr. VanWormer was honored with Sebold fellowship that recognizes an outstanding research investigator. His contributions to the field of cardiometabolic disease were recognized in 2019 when he was selected to receive the Celine Seubert Distinguished Physician/Scientist Endowment in Cardiology Research. His scholarly activities have also extended into work with the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS), and as an associate editor with the Journal of Agromedicine.
Among his many other contributions to science, Dr. VanWormer's most impactful service has been leading the Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) program, mentoring students from across the nation who came to the Research Institute to build their research skills.