Jiayin Zheng, PhD

Dr. Zheng is an assistant professor of Biostatistics. His research focuses on the development of novel statistical methods to address important scientific problems, and the application of sound statistical approaches to experimental/real-world data to facilitate knowledge discovery and improve decision-making in public health and clinical medicine. 

His methodological research spans several research areas, including data integration, design and analysis of multiple-phase sampling (e.g., case-control studies), observational data analysis, risk prediction modeling and evaluation, and survival analysis. Recently, his methodological research interests have focused on data integration, with an emphasis on leveraging external summary information with internal individual data, aiming at efficiency gain of parameter estimation for the underlying internal population and bias reduction for model generalizability/transportability. The motivation stems from his postdoc training at Duke University, where he noticed the limitations of regional/local/hospital-level data, e.g., inadequate sample size leading to insufficient power/efficiency, and biased sampling schemes making results under-represent the target population. Currently, he is working on developing a more inclusive, effective, and generic framework for data integration.

He is also interested in developing predictive models using individual participant data meta-analysis and is leading a project to develop a web-based colorectal cancer risk prediction tool based on common genetic risk factors and environmental and lifestyle risk factors.

In his free time, he enjoys hiking and playing soccer.