John S. Preisser

John S. Preisser, PhD, is a Research Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), part of the Gillings School of Global Public Health. He also serves as Deputy Director of the Biostatistics Service at the NC Translational & Clinical Sciences Institute (NC TraCS) and directs the Carolina Pragmatic Trials Laboratory. Dr. Preisser holds a Research Fellowship at the UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and collaborates on oral health research at the UNC School of Dentistry.

Education:

• PhD in Biostatistics, UNC (1995)
• MA in Statistics, Pennsylvania State University (1988)
• BS in Statistics, Virginia Tech (1986)

Research Focus: Dr. Preisser specializes in developing statistical methods for clustered binary data, including stepped wedge designs in clinical trials, partial-cluster sampling in oral health, and marginalized two-part models for semi-continuous outcomes. His work bridges methodological innovation and real-world applications in public health, aging, and health disparities.

Awards & Service:

• Elected Fellow, American Statistical Association (2010)
• Elected Member, International Statistical Institute (2006)
• Chair of the Pranab K. Sen Distinguished Visiting Professorship Committee (2011–Present)
• DSMB roles for NIH- and PCORI-funded studies (2018–Present)

Labs & Collaborations: Carolina Pragmatic Trials Laboratory (directed by Preisser) focuses on pragmatic clinical trials. His work intersects with the Sheps Center and NC TraCS to advance translational research in health services and aging.