Public health in action — Biostatisticians are about more than numbers

One of the critical members of a research study team is a biostatistician.

Biostatistics is the science of applying statistics to complex problems in all areas of biology and medicine. A biostatistician collaborates with researchers in design of a study, provides statistical consultation, teaches courses in biostatistics and conducts methodological research.

In other words, they not only design methods to analyze data, they make it understandable.

Jane Meza, Ph.D.

“There are many factors to consider in the design of a study,” said Jane Meza, Ph.D., professor and chairwoman of biostatistics in the College of Public Health. She also is director of the Center for Collaboration on Research Design and Analysis.

“We start with the specific aims of the study then determine an adequate sample size,” she said. “We help investigators plan and design scientific studies, develop efficient and effective means of collecting and managing data, and then discern, strengthen and communicate findings.”

A native of Lincoln, Dr. Meza wanted a practical use for her college math degree. An adviser suggested she pursue statistics. Combine that with a personal desire to work in cancer research and a biostatistician was born.

About the series In anticipation of the May opening of the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health, UNMC Today will feature regular stories about public health workers and students and how they contribute to health care.

Dr. Meza became a graduate assistant at UNMC in 1999 and joined the faculty the following year after she received her doctorate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was named to her current position in July 2010 and now oversees a faculty and staff of 13 biostatisticians.

They work with researchers to design clinical, observational and population-based studies.

“In the competitive grant environment of today, statistical considerations weigh heavily in applications,” she said. “In our classes, we teach the importance of understanding statistics. Researchers need to be able to critically review the statistical methods in the literature.”

Dr. Meza also works with the Children’s Oncology Group, the only national group that conducts clinical trials for children with cancer. UNMC is one of three statistical centers and her colleague, and the person who hired her, Jim Anderson, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics and associate dean for research in the College of Public Health, is the group statistician.

“Several of my family members have suffered from cancer,” Dr. Meza said. “I’m proud that we’ve helped with improving survival rates for children with cancer.”