Nikita Thomas, MSMPH, Statistician, University of Chicago

How did your interest in health equity begin?

I did my undergraduate degree in engineering and did research in a molecular biology lab. I found research to be interesting, but wanted to pursue something more big picture and decided to continue my education in public health. I got my master’s degree in biostatistics and public health at Emory University. This is when my interest in health equity really began. The degree wasn’t just focused on biostatistics, but it also included courses in different areas of public health. We had to take courses in health policy, global health, and environmental health. I thought that did a great job of exposing students to public health at a macro level. That’s when I realized I wanted to work in educating and informing the public about how to take care of themselves and access the healthcare services they need. After graduate school, I worked in pharma for a couple of years at a clinical research organization. I came to the University of Chicago seeking a role more directly involved with the local community.

What research projects are you working on right now?

With C3EN, I’m part of the VIDA project with Arshiya Baig. I’m one of the statisticians and data managers on that team. I’m also working on the EngAGE study with Megan Huisingh-Scheetz. At the University of Chicago, I’m working on a project with Neda Laiteerapong [PI of C3EN’s PORTAL-PTSD project], called I-COPE, which is focused on opioids and pain management. I’m also involved in a project called iACTIVATE with [C3EN Pilot Awardee] Anna Volerman called iACTIVATE about coaching early career investigators that identify as female or nonbinary. I’m also working on a project in the Section of Endocrinology. I love that each project addresses different issues, so I’m constantly learning new things.

What exactly do statisticians do?

It ranges from data management—cleaning the data and creating datasets—to summarizing the data, like creating demographic tables and analyzing the population we’re working with. We also do more complex work, like regression analysis and statistical modeling. One of my colleagues, Wen Wan, handles more of the theoretical methodology—like designing the statistical analysis plan. She writes the part of grant proposals that explains how we’ll analyze data, how many people we need to enroll, and what our study’s power should be. Statisticians are involved at the beginning of a study, during data collection, and in analysis, and other team members take care of things in between.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I feel like I’m too young to be proud of anything just yet. My career is still very much in its early stages. But I can say what I enjoy about the projects I’m working on right now. One thing I really appreciate is that everyone on the teams I’m on is extremely motivated. They’re passionate about the work we’re doing, and it doesn’t feel like just a job. Even when we don’t get the results we expect or when we hit obstacles, the teams remain focused on the bigger picture. I think that’s the best part of my job—working with people who are truly committed to doing meaningful work.

Do you have any fun facts to share?

I’m trying to run a half marathon in every state. I’ve done 11 so far. This country is so big, but it’s been really fun. I’m planning to do four or five this year. Most of the races have been in the Midwest, where I’ve lived for most of my life, but I went to Iowa last year and never thought I’d visit there for any reason. It turned into a fun 48-hour trip. Last year I also went to Alaska, which was amazing. It’s such a beautiful state.