Florin Vaida

Dr. Florin Vaida is a Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Chicago and previously served as Biostatistics faculty at Harvard School of Public Health (1998–2004). His primary roles include teaching in UCSD’s PhD in Biostatistics, BSPH in Public Health, and CREST/MAS in Clinical Research programs, and serving as Graduate Program Director for the MS in Biostatistics.

Education: PhD in Statistics, University of Chicago; prior faculty role at Harvard School of Public Health.

Research focuses on mixed-effects models, clinical trials, HIV/AIDS (especially NeuroAIDS), and collaborations with UCSD’s HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center and Translational Methamphetamine Research Center. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters highlight his expertise in biostatistical methodologies applied to public health challenges.

Key contributions include advancing statistical models for longitudinal data and investigating neurocognitive outcomes in HIV patients. His work bridges clinical research and translational science, addressing issues like drug effects on neurocognition and biomarker development.

Advising/Grants: Leads graduate programs and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on NIH-funded projects. Active in mentoring students and early-career researchers in biostatistics and public health.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center, focusing on neuroAIDS mechanisms, and Translational Methamphetamine Research Center, studying substance use impacts on health.