Mark Ferro

Research interests

My research focuses on understanding child multimorbidity – the co-occurrence of physical and mental illness in children, youth and young adults. Using both clinical and epidemiological studies, my work takes a developmental approach to estimating the burden of child multimorbidity; expounding the multilevel determinants of child multimorbidity; modelling biological and psychosocial mechanisms leading to the onset of child multimorbidity; and, through data linkage activities, how children with multimorbidity interface with the mental health care system. Methodologically, I am interested in the measurement of mental health and quality of life in children. My goal is to prevent child multimorbidity, improve child health, help families, enhance care, and reduce health system costs.

Graduate supervision and student opportunities

I am currently accepting applications from graduate students with research interests related to:

• Epidemiology of child psychopathology
• Determinants and mechanisms of child multimorbidity
• Measurement of child psychopathology and quality of life
• Mental health service use

​Graduate studies application details

Teaching interests

• Introductory and advanced epidemiology
• Child and youth mental health

Education

BSc Biochemistry, McMaster University

MSc Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan

PhD Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Child Psychiatry, McMaster University

Awards and recognitions

Early Researcher Award, Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science

Early Career Award, Canadian Society for Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Research Early Career Award, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation W. E. Noonan Fellowship, Hamilton Health Sciences

Brain Star Award, Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Government of Canada

Selected publications 

See Google Scholar for full list of publications.

Selected professional activities and networks

Fellow, American Psychopathological Association (APPA)

Member, Canadian Society for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CSEB)

Member, Canadian Academy of Psychiatric Epidemiology (CAPE)

Member, International Federation of Psychiatric Epidemiology (IFPE)

Scientist, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University

Scientist, CanChild for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University