Anna Cass

Anna Cass is an epidemiologist with a background in clinical research, medical education, and community-engaged public health. Her work emphasizes epidemiologic methods as practical tools for understanding health concerns across diverse populations and settings.

Prior to joining the Furman faculty, Dr. Cass built her foundation in epidemiologic research and medical education at Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. As an Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Director of Furman’s Master of Science in Community Engaged Medicine program, she works with undergraduate and graduate students to connect classroom learning with current public health challenges. In the classroom, she encourages students to apply health knowledge to their personal wellness journey (HSC 101), translate observations about health problems into research questions and hypotheses (HSC 201), recognize the role of public health in current issues (HSC 205), critically evaluate information and apply problem-solving skills (HSC 401 and CEM 620), and prepare to contribute to community efforts for positive public health impact (HSC 075).

Dr. Cass’s research reflects her commitment to applying public health frameworks and epidemiologic methods to real-world health concerns. Her work has ranged from population-based cancer research and hospital-associated infection surveillance to student perceptions of wellbeing and community-based research related to housing instability and health. Her current research focuses on the social drivers of health—the conditions in which people live, work, and grow that shape health outcomes—and how addressing these factors can support healthier communities in Greenville and beyond.

Education

• Ph.D., University of South Carolina
• M.P.H., University of Kentucky
• B.S., Furman University