Susan G. Silva

Susan G. Silva is an Associate Professor and Statistician at Duke University with primary appointment in the Office of Research Affairs at the School of Nursing, plus secondary appointments in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (School of Medicine) and Department of Clinical Trials Statistics (Duke Clinical Research Institute). Her work integrates biostatistics with behavioral health research, focusing on psychiatric and adolescent populations.

Dr. Silva's educational background includes:

• PhD in Experimental Psychology-Cognitive Neuroscience from North Carolina State University
• MA from East Carolina University
• BA from East Carolina University

Her research expertise centers on advanced statistical methodologies for behavioral health studies, particularly longitudinal designs, hierarchical/mixed models, mediation/moderation analysis, Generalized Estimating Equations, and reliability/validity assessment. Current projects include the Substance Use Outcomes Following Treatment for Adolescent Depression (SOFTAD) study and service on the NIMH Interventions Committee for Disorders Involving Children and their Families (ITVC), reflecting her specialization in adolescent depression and substance use disorders.

Her professional honors include:

• NIH-funded post-doctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at UNC-CH's Brain and Development Research Center

Dr. Silva serves as Statistical Principal Investigator for the SOFTAD study and previously directed the Neurobehavioral Assessment Core at UNC-CH's NIMH-sponsored Mental Health Clinical Research Center. She provides statistical oversight as senior statistician for the NIMH Data Safety and Monitoring Board and industry-sponsored DSMBs, demonstrating extensive grant leadership in psychiatric research infrastructure.

Her operational roles include directing statistical cores for major clinical research centers and developing randomization protocols for complex trials, with current focus on adolescent mental health interventions through Duke's clinical research institutes.