Lorinda Sheeler
PhD
Director of Assessment and Evaluation
Current Position and Professional Experience:
Dr. Lorinda Sheeler serves as the Epidemiologist for the South College School of Physician Assistant Studies Program. Her current job duties include developing, integrating, and teaching epidemiology and research methods within the health sciences degree programs. Dr. Sheeler has over 15 years of teaching and research experience in the biological sciences. Her research focuses on the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases along with the health effects from exposure to environmental contaminants. Dr. Sheeler has also written and co-authored many scientific and professional publications, and also has given many presentations at local, national, and international scientific meetings. Previously, Dr. Sheeler worked as an infectious disease epidemiologist serving rural east Tennessee with the Public Health Department where she developed surveillance systems to detect potential biological or chemical events as well as the surveillance of communicable diseases. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the University of Tennessee-College of Veterinary Medicine at UTK and is an active member in the community affiliated with several educational and health outreach programs.
Professional Education:
Dr. Sheeler received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Auburn University, a Masters of Science and a Doctorate in Zoology from Texas Tech University, where she held a Research Fellowship at The Institute for Environmental and Human Health.
Teaching Responsibilities:
- Graduate Courses: Epidemiology and Public Health, Evidence Based Medicine, Research Design and Methodology, Capstone Research
- Undergraduate Courses: Introduction to Biology 1 & 2, Health Science Research, Epidemiology
Committee Memberships:
- Assessment and Evaluation (co-Chair), Admissions, Student Progress, Library
