Alisa J. Stephens Shields

Dr. Alisa J. Stephens Shields is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. She leads the Biostatistics and Data Science Core of the Penn Center for AIDS Research and serves as an associate editor for Biostatistics and Annals of Internal Medicine. Her research focuses on causal inference methodologies for clinical trials, particularly in chronic pain, pediatrics, and infectious diseases. Dr. Shields holds a Ph.D. in Biostatistics from Harvard University (2012), an A.M. from Harvard (2009), and a B.S. from the University of Maryland (2006).

Her work emphasizes enhancing trial design through patient-reported outcomes and behavioral economics interventions. Notable projects include the BETTER Center, which addresses clinical trial diversity, and the Handoffs and Transitions in Critical Care trial. Awards include the 2024 Myrto Lefkopoulou Lectureship and the 2021 COPSS Leadership Award. She collaborates with experts in anesthesiology, epidemiology, and urology, advancing precision medicine and healthcare equity.

• Educations:
  • Ph.D., Biostatistics, Harvard University (2012)
  • A.M., Harvard University (2009)
  • B.S., University of Maryland (2006)
• Key Collaborations:
  • Penn Center for AIDS Research
  • MAPP Research Network
  • American Heart Association’s BETTER Center

Her articles highlight innovations in trial design, causal inference, and healthcare disparities. Recent work addresses interventions for HPV vaccination uptake, pandemic response strategies, and precision medicine in urological pain syndromes.