Thomas J. Songer

Thomas Songer's research interests focus on applying epidemiologic methods to the evaluation of the economic, social, and health consequences of youth-onset diabetes, youth-onset obesity, and injuries. Songer's current work focuses on examining the costs and benefits of interventions in childhood diabetes treatment, and diabetes prevention.  Past projects have focused on identifying the contribution of health and disability to motor vehicle crashes and injuries, identifying the medical costs related to diabetes, the costs associated with child maltreatment, and evaluating the influence of economic factors in the lives of persons with diabetes. 

Songer is an active teacher at the University of Pittsburgh.  He is the primary instructor for the graduate courses; Principles of Epidemiology (EPIDEM 2110), Injury Epidemiology (EPIDEM 2670), Injury Prevention and Control (EPIDEM 2640), and the undergraduate courses; Introduction to Research (REHSCI 1000) and Intro to Epidemiology (HRS 1017). Songer has also been an integral member of two groups setting the guidelines for training initiatives in injury and highway safety. Songer has served on several NIH and CDC review panels, and is currently a steering committee member for the Injury Community Planning Group for the State of Pennsylvania Department of Health.