Resident Scholar
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology
Baylor University
Email Kelly Ylitalo
Kelly Ylitalo Vitae

Dr. Kelly Ylitalo is Assistant Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Public Health at Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University.  She received her Ph.D. in Epidemiological Science from the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2012.  Her research interests include physical functioning, obesity, and physical activity. Specifically, she is interested in physical functioning trajectories during the mid-life and older adult years, and how behaviors like physical activity throughout the life course can facilitate healthy aging trajectories and prevent disability. Dr. Ylitalo applies quantitative statistical methods to longitudinal cohort studies and complex survey samples. Since moving to Waco in 2013, Dr. Ylitalo has developed several local community-based research partnerships that focus on health-promoting behaviors, such as physical activity and healthy eating, to understand the health of individuals and communities.