Harnessing the power of biostatistics for public health innovation
Meet Syeda Zahra Ali
As a participant in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mathematical Statistician Fellowship, Syeda Zahra Ali uses biostatistics to enhance public health interventions and policies, focusing on improving outcomes through rigorous data analysis and research.
Born into a family with deep roots in STEM education, Syeda Zahra Ali's journey into the realm of biostatistics was inspired by her parents, both STEM professionals. Her father, an engineer, and her mother, a biology teacher, instilled in her a profound appreciation for mathematics and the natural sciences from an early age. This unique upbringing fostered a deep-seated curiosity and love for problem-solving and scientific inquiry, eventually guiding her to a career that bridges her dual interests in mathematics and biology.
Zahra's academic pursuits led her to complete a bachelor’s degree in cell biology with a concentration in biotechnology from Georgia Gwinnett College, followed by a Master of Public Health in biostatistics from Georgia State University. Her collegiate research interests and activities focused on associations among marijuana use, the occurrence of major depressive episodes and the effects of health insurance status on health outcomes, underscoring her commitment to addressing complex public health issues using rigorous statistical analysis.
Zahra's path to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mathematical Statistician Fellowship was driven by this desire to apply her statistical skills to real-world public health challenges. “I applied to the fellowship program as a mathematical statistician because it represented an ideal first step in my career journey. The program's focus on applying statistics, math and problem-solving skills to contribute to public health aligned perfectly with my professional goals and aspirations,” Zahra said.
The CDC is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The CDC’s Research Participation Programs are educational and training programs designed to provide students, recent graduates and university faculty opportunities to participate in project-specific CDC research, current public health research and developmental activities.
The opportunity to join the Surveillance, Information Management and Statistics Office team (SIMSO) within the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) presented a perfect alignment with Zahra’s professional aspirations. Under the mentorship of Zainab Salah, MPH, Zahra leverages her expertise in biostatistics to contribute to the division's efforts in managing and preventing foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases.
During her fellowship, Zahra engaged in several key projects that showcased her ability to apply statistical methods to public health research effectively. One notable project focused on evaluating hand hygiene interventions in community settings in Kisumu County, Kenya, which aimed to improve hand hygiene practices as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Her analysis provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of having a choice between handwashing stations and alcohol-based hand rubs in improving hand hygiene practice, offering evidence-based recommendations for public health interventions. Another significant project involved analyzing data from the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) to compare outbreaks associated with ruminant and non-ruminant animal contacts. Through this analysis, Zahra contributed to a deeper understanding of outbreak dynamics and the development of targeted prevention strategies.
A key part of Zahra’s fellowship also involved a food safety analysis project, where she explored the relationships between food safety practices and factors such as demographics, knowledge about food safety and attitudes towards it. Her goal was to identify patterns that could inform targeted interventions to improve food safety behaviors across populations.
At the 2024 Integrated Foodborne Outbreak Response and Management Conference (InFORM), Zahra showcased her research on demographic and outbreak characteristics between ruminant- vs. non-ruminant-associated outbreaks, engaging with a broad audience of experts. This presentation not only highlighted her significant findings but also sparked important discussions on enhancing strategies for outbreak prevention and management.
Throughout her fellowship, Zahra has gained invaluable experience and skills that extend beyond statistical analysis. She has honed her abilities in data visualization, project management, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning her for future leadership roles in public health research. Looking forward, Zahra aspires to continue her work at the intersection of statistics and public health, applying her expertise to lead impactful health initiatives and advance statistical methodologies in the field.
“Upon completion of this program, my career goals are to continue working in the field of public health, specifically focusing on statistical analysis and research,” Zahra said. “I aspire to take on more leadership roles within projects and teams, applying the skills and knowledge I have gained to lead impactful public health initiatives.”
Zahra’s journey as a Mathematical Statistician Fellow exemplifies the profound impact that statistical expertise can have on public health research and policy. Through her innovative work and dedication to improving health outcomes, Zahra represents a new generation of public health professionals poised to make significant contributions to the field.
The Mathematical Statistician Fellowship is funded by the CDC and administered through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). ORISE is managed for DOE by ORAU.