Bertha Hidalgo, PhD, has been elected to the American College of Epidemiology Board of Directors. The American College of Epidemiology is a professional organization that serves the interests of the profession and its members through advocating for issues pertinent to epidemiology, a credential-based admission and promotion process, sponsorship of scientific meetings, publications and educational activities, and recognizing outstanding contributions to the field.

Hidalgo is an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is also an associate scientist in UAB's Nutrition Obesity Research Center.

The American College of Epidemiology is in a prime and unique position to brand itself as the leader in not only epidemiologic training, but also to contribute – as it has done successfully in the past – in the advocacy of policies that enhance science, health, and the practice of our discipline, Hidalgo said. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to ensure these efforts continue, alongside efforts to develop and maintain excellence and diversity in the field of epidemiology.

She currently serves as a member and chair of the organization's Minority Affairs Committee. Her term will begin in September and will last for three years.