Alisa Stephens Shields

Dr. Alisa Stephens Shields serves as an Associate Professor in the Biostatistics Division of the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. She also holds an adjunct faculty position at Harvard University where she earned her PhD in Biostatistics. Her leadership extends to directing the Biostatistics and Data Science Core at the Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and chairing the Student Recruitment Committee for Penn Biostatistics.

Her educational background includes:

• BS in Mathematics from University of Maryland (2006)
• AM in Biostatistics from Harvard University (2009)
• PhD in Biostatistics from Harvard University (2012)

Dr. Stephens Shields' research focuses on enhancing clinical trial design and analysis through innovative applications of causal inference methods. She has made significant contributions to patient-reported outcome development for population-appropriate trial endpoints, particularly in areas of pediatrics, chronic pain, urology, and infectious disease. Her work bridges statistical methodology with real-world health challenges, addressing issues of diversity in clinical trials and improving trial generalizability for complex, heterogeneous conditions.

Analysis of Dr. Stephens Shields' publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of methodological innovation applied to pressing clinical problems. Her work spans from foundational statistical methods (particularly in causal inference) to direct applications in clinical research domains such as chronic pelvic pain, infectious disease, and cardiovascular health. A notable trend is her increasing focus on behavioral economic approaches to address diversity gaps in clinical trial participation, reflecting her commitment to health equity.

Her scientific recognitions include:

• 2024 Myrto Lefkopoulou Distinguished Lectureship
• 2021 Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies Leadership Award
• 2018 Distinguished Faculty Award, University of Pennsylvania
• Fellow of the American Statistical Association

Dr. Stephens Shields demonstrates exceptional leadership in mentoring and educational initiatives. She co-developed a causal inference course for Penn's Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology program and directs the Design of Interventional Studies course for doctoral students. As chair of the Student Recruitment Committee, she actively fosters diversity in quantitative health careers and regularly participates in diversity-focused workshops including the ENAR Fostering Diversity Workshop and STATFest. Her mentorship extends beyond Penn through her adjunct role at Harvard University.

Dr. Stephens Shields leads or contributes to several significant research teams and initiatives including the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network, the Randomized Evaluation of Trial Acceptability by Incentive (RETAIN) trial, the Behavioral Economics to Transform Trial Enrollment Representativeness (BETTER) Center, and the Handoffs and Transitions in Critical Care research program. Her role as director of the Biostatistics and Data Science Core at CFAR demonstrates her leadership in HIV research methodology and statistical mentorship.