The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has appointed Ethan Morgan, PhD, associate professor in the College of Nursing, as co-director of the Ecology, Epidemiology, and Population Health (EEPH) Thematic Program. His appointment is effective October 1, 2026.  

A faculty member recruited through Ohio State's Discovery Themes Initiative, Dr. Morgan has played an important role in advancing interdisciplinary research and collaboration across the IDI. His expertise in epidemiology and population health research aligns closely with the work and mission of EEPH. 

As co-director, Dr. Morgan will provide scientific leadership and strategic guidance to advance interdisciplinary research, education, outreach, and workforce development activities across the institute. He will also help foster collaborations among faculty, staff, trainees, and external partners while expanding engagement in infectious diseases research throughout the university community. 

Dr. Morgan will join fellow EEPH co-directors Risa Pesapane, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; and Joe Tien, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, Jiyoung Lee, IDI associate director and former EEPH co-director, will continue to support the program through guidance, mentorship, and institutional knowledge.

"Infectious disease problems rarely stay inside one discipline, and neither should the people working on them. I'm grateful for the chance to work alongside Joe and Risa to build on what EEPH has already accomplished, and to help bring more colleagues (and disciplines) from across the university into that work."

Dr. Ethan Morgan

A key focus of Dr. Morgan's leadership will be strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships, broadening participation in the EEPH community, and creating opportunities to engage faculty, staff, and trainees from disciplines that are not yet widely connected to the IDI community. He will also help identify and support innovative funding, research, and partnership opportunities.

Dr. Morgan's experience as an epidemiologist and his longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary research make him exceptionally well positioned for this leadership role. We are particularly excited about the perspective he brings from the College of Nursing and his ability to create new opportunities for engagement and collaboration across Ohio State."

Dr. Jordi B. Torrelles, IDI Director