Craig Hanis, PhD, Named Professor Emeritus After More Than Four Decades of Service
Professor Craig Hanis, PhD, is retiring from the Department of Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health after more than 40 years of transformative research, teaching, and mentorship. In recognition of his lasting contributions to public health, he has been named Professor Emeritus effective September 1, 2025.
Hanis is widely recognized for his pioneering work in genetic epidemiology, particularly his leadership in medical research focused on Starr County in south Texas. His research helped define the genetic and environmental factors contributing to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in Mexican American populations. His work not only advanced scientific understanding but also elevated Starr County as a nationally recognized site for Hispanic health research.
Throughout his career, Hanis has been a mentor and collaborator to many. Jan Bressler, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, noted his role in conducting the first genome-wide studies of type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans and praised his field office in Starr County as a vital community resource. David Aguilar, MD, Professor of Medicine at UT Southwestern, described Hanis as “a pioneer in diabetes genetics and a generous mentor,” adding, “I am deeply in his debt for the support he showed me.” Bing Yu, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology, emphasized Hanis’s long-term leadership, saying, “Craig’s stewardship of the Starr County cohort for over 30 years is a rare and exceptional accomplishment.”
Sharon A. Brown, PhD, RN, Professor Emeritus in Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin, reflected on her 35-year collaboration with Hanis, which became the cornerstone of her career. She shared, “I have been, and continue to be, so honored to have worked on such important diabetes projects with Craig Hanis and the people of Starr County, some of the finest people I have ever met.”
Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, Dean of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, noted, “Craig is not the type of person who seeks publicity, but his work has made seminal and lasting contributions to the epidemiology of chronic disease in the Hispanic community.”
Hanis’s influence extended beyond research. Eric Brown, PhD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, described him as “tireless,” adding, “His commitment to mentoring students and faculty, both new and seasoned, has been nothing short of legendary.”
Craig Hanis’s legacy is one of scientific rigor, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to improving health in underserved communities—a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come. Alanna Morrison, PhD, Chair of the Department of Epidemiology, offered a heartfelt tribute, “I can’t thank Craig enough for his excellence in science, mentorship, humor, and heart. He has left a legacy that will continue to shape this institution and all of us who’ve had the privilege to learn from him.”