Paula K. Roberson

Paula K. Roberson, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biostatistics at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). She is a member of the Graduate Faculty and actively contributes to translational and clinical research. Her office is located in RAHN 3226, and she can be reached at 501-296-1556 or RobersonPaulaK@uams.edu.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biomathematics, University of Washington, 1979
• B.S. in Mathematics & Statistics, Southern Methodist University, 1974

Research Interests: Dr. Roberson specializes in the design and analysis of clinical trials, variable selection, and nonparametric methods. Her work bridges biostatistics and clinical medicine, particularly in aging, cognitive disorders, and stroke. She applies rigorous statistical methodologies to complex health data, contributing to evidence-based medical decisions.

Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2018–2019) focus on clinical trials in geriatrics and neurology, particularly apathy in cognitive impairment, stroke therapeutics, and biomarkers for mortality in older veterans. These works appear in high-impact journals such as American Journal of Psychiatry and Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, reflecting her expertise in biostatistical design and interpretation.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, American Statistical Association
• 2019 JVIR Distinguished Clinical Study Award

Advising and Grants: As Chair and Graduate Faculty member, Dr. Roberson mentors students and collaborators in biostatistical methods. She is involved in major NIH-funded projects, including the UAMS Translational Research Institute (NIH/NCATS), Arkansas Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (NIH/NIA), and research on osteoporosis mechanisms (NIH/NIA), demonstrating sustained grant support and leadership in translational science.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Roberson collaborates extensively with clinical research teams across UAMS, particularly in aging, psychiatry, and neurology. She is affiliated with the Translational Research Institute and contributes statistical leadership to multidisciplinary projects focused on veteran health and cognitive disorders.