Bertha Hidalgo, B.A., M.P.H., Ph.D. 

Dr. Bertha Hidalgo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health and President of the American College of Epidemiology. A respected epidemiologist and scientific leader, she focuses her research on chronic disease prevention, dissemination science, genomics, and health disparities — particularly as they relate to Latino populations and cardiometabolic conditions. In addition to her faculty role, Dr. Hidalgo serves as Associate Dean for Access and Engagement at UAB’s School of Public Health, where she advances initiatives that broaden diversity in public health research, training, and leadership. Her work informs national and international epidemiologic practice, and she contributes to efforts that strengthen professional methods, mentorship, and public health communication. 

Dr. Hidalgo’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University, where she built a strong foundation in biological sciences and population health. She then earned a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from the University of Southern California, followed by a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where her doctoral research examined health disparities among underserved populations. In addition to her formal degrees, she completed postdoctoral training in Statistical Genetics, equipping her with advanced expertise in genetic epidemiology and quantitative methods. Dr. Hidalgo’s blend of clinical, analytical, and leadership training informs both her research and her commitment to training the next generation of epidemiologists.