Susan Shaw Devesa

Susan Shaw Devesa is a renowned epidemiologist and biostatistician known for her significant contributions to the field of cancer epidemiology. She has been instrumental in the development of statistical methods for cancer incidence and mortality rates, and her research has greatly influenced our understanding of cancer trends and disparities.

Early Life and Education

Devesa was born and raised in the United States. She completed her undergraduate studies in mathematics and later pursued a master's degree in statistics. She then earned her Ph.D. in biostatistics from the Johns Hopkins University, where she developed a keen interest in public health and epidemiology.

Career

Following her graduation, Devesa joined the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a biostatistician. At NCI, she worked on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, which collects and publishes cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries. Her work on the SEER Program has been instrumental in understanding cancer trends and disparities in the United States.

Devesa's research primarily focuses on the descriptive epidemiology of cancer. She has conducted extensive research on the incidence and mortality rates of various types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. Her work has provided valuable insights into the factors influencing these rates, such as age, race, and socioeconomic status.

Contributions to Epidemiology

Devesa's contributions to the field of epidemiology are numerous and significant. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious scientific journals. Her research has greatly influenced our understanding of cancer trends and disparities, and has helped shape public health policies and strategies for cancer prevention and control.

One of her most notable contributions is the development of statistical methods for analyzing cancer incidence and mortality rates. These methods have been widely adopted by researchers and public health officials worldwide, and have greatly improved our ability to monitor and understand cancer trends.

Recognition

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of epidemiology, Devesa has received numerous awards and honors. She is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and a member of the American Epidemiological Society.