Laura B. Balzer

Dr. Laura B. Balzer is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at the University of California, Berkeley. Her work focuses on causal inference, machine learning, and addressing methodological challenges in both randomized trials and observational studies, particularly in global health contexts. She leads collaborations in East Africa, focusing on HIV elimination and community health in rural regions. Her research emphasizes translating academic findings into real-world impact.

Education:

• PhD in Biostatistics, UC Berkeley (2015)
• MPhil in Computational Biology, University of Cambridge (2009)
• BS in Applied Mathematics, University of Vermont (2008)

Research Interests: Dr. Balzer’s work addresses causal inference in complex settings, including semi-parametric methods, measurement challenges, and dependence structures. Her global health projects target HIV prevention, tuberculosis transmission, and hypertension management in sub-Saharan Africa. She designs interventions like the SEARCH Dynamic Choice model, which offers flexible HIV prevention options, and evaluates community health worker programs.

Publications highlight her contributions to HIV/AIDS research, including studies on PrEP uptake, viral suppression in adolescents, and tuberculosis-HIV co-infection. Methodologically, she advances causal inference frameworks to handle missing data and clustered designs.

Awards: While no specific awards are listed, her work has been funded by initiatives like the SEARCH trials, reflecting its scientific and public health significance.

Advising & Grants: Balzer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in Uganda and Kenya, focusing on translational research. Her grants support interventions linking statistical innovation to healthcare delivery improvements in resource-limited settings.

Labs/Teams: Her research is embedded within global health partnerships, particularly within the SEARCH trials network, which integrates biostatistics with clinical and community-based implementation.