Research
Dissertation
I conduct methodological research at the intersection of spatial statistics, extreme value theory and data assimilation. My dissertation work is composed of three parts:
Combining Observational and Model Data for Spatial Extremes Through a Multivariate Latent Gaussian Process
Developed a multivariate spatial extreme value model which integrates observational and model data, enhancing the accuracy of return level estimates.
Forecasting Spatial Extremes Using Climatic Covariates
Utilized climatic covariates to forecast models for spatial extremes under a range of climate change scenarios.
Vecchia Approximation for Spatial Extremes
Applied Vecchia approximations to spatial extreme value models, significantly reducing the computational costs associated with large spatial data sets, while maintaining model accuracy.
Jointly estimated 100-year storm-surge along the U.S. East Coast inferred from a multivariate latent Gaussian Process fit on observational and model simulated data (i.e. A 40-year record of spatially indexed hourly sea-level data)
Medical Research
Currently, my work in the Wake Forest School of Medicine falls into three categories:
1. Statistical Consulting
I provide study design advice, grant development services and statistical analysis for medical professionals across the Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health medical system.
2. Spatial Epidemiology
I work with Dave Kline & Staci Hepler to develop and implement high-dimensional Bayesian hierarchical models of the opioid epidemic in co-operation with public health officials and medical experts.
Posterior estimates of counties with above average estimates of all cocaine-involved overdose deaths (red) and lower than average estimates (blue) in Ohio, 2010–2020.
3. Clinical Trials
I analyze data generated by the LEAP (Long-Term Effectiveness of Anti-Obesity Medication Phentermine) clinical trial, which is supported by the National Institutes of Health. This randomized, multi-site, double-blind study explores the effectiveness and safety of the anti-obesity drug phentermine over a long-term period.
Publications
2025
[1] Kline D, White BN, Lancaster KE, Egan KL, Murphy E, Miller WC, Hepler SA. Estimating prevalence of opioid misuse in North Carolina counties from 2016-2021: An integrated abundance model approach. Epidemiology. (Accepted Nov 2024; To appear May 2025).
2024
[2] Estadt AT, White BN, Ricks JM, Lancaster KE, Hepler S, Miller WC, Kline D. The impact of fentanyl on state- and county-level psychostimulant and cocaine overdose death rates by race in Ohio from 2010 to 2020: a time series and spatiotemporal analysis. Harm Reduct J. 2024 Jan 17;21(1):13. doi: 10.1186/s12954-024-00936-9. PMID: 38233924; PMCID: PMC10792830.
[3] Khanna AK, Banga A, Rigdon J, White BN, Cuvillier C, Ferraz J, Olsen F, Hackett L, Bansal V, Kaw R. Role of continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring in the prevention of postoperative respiratory failure, postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression and adverse outcomes on hospital wards: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Anesth. 2024 Jun;94:111374. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2024.111374. Epub 2024 Jan 6. PMID: 38184918.
[4] Kipp JA, Vesely BD, Lance TA, White BN, Medda AW, Scott AT. Age Influence on Total Ankle Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Systematic Review. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2024 Nov-Dec;63(6):765-768. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2024.07.013. Epub 2024 Aug 3. PMID: 39102942.
[5] Vesely BD, Kipp JA, Lance TA, White BN, Medda AW, Scott AT. BMI influence on total ankle arthroplasty outcomes: A systematic review. Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases. 2024 Mar 24; Volume 4, Issue 2. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fastrc.2024.100377.
[6] Fabian SB, Adkins EW, White BN, Kirse DJ, Kiell EP. Temporal trends in BAHA softband wear time among pediatric patients. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. Volume 182. 2024. 112000. ISSN 0165-5876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.112000.
Accepted Abstracts
[1] Lassiter R, White BN, Skelton JA, Ip E, Vitolins M, Brown CL. Parental concerns about tap water associated with children’s increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting. Toronto, CA. May 2024. Platform Presentation.
[2] Cyrille N, Garcia R, White BN, Danford DS, Harmon L, Bernardo S, Rose H, Patel S, DeVore AD, Nandkeolyar S, Mishkin J. Sex-Specific Trends in the Use of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients Listed for Orthotopic Heart Transplant Before and After The UNOS Allocation System Change; International Society of Heart & Lung Transplantation. 44th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions. Prague, Czech Republic. April 2024. Platform Presentation.