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Nicholas Schork, Ph.D.

Nicholas J. Schork, Ph.D.

Director of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics

Scripps Translational Science Institute

Professor, Department of Molecular & Experimental Medicine

The Scripps Research Institute

Professor of Psychiatry and Biostatistics (adjunct)

UC San Diego

                                                                  Dr. Schork's Photo          

Dr. Schork is Director of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics at the Scripps Translational Science Institute; Director of Research, Scripps Genomic Medicine; and Professor, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Schork’s interest and expertise is in the areas of quantitative human genetics and genomics, especially the design and implementation of methodologies used to dissect the genetic basis of complex traits and diseases. Prior to his appointments at Scripps, Dr. Schork was a Professor of Biostatistics and Psychiatry, and Co-Director of the Center for Human Genetics and Genomics at the University of California, San Diego from 2000-2007. From 1994-2000 Dr. Schork was an Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at Harvard University. Between 1999 and 2000 Dr. Schork took a leave of absence to conduct research as the Vice President of Statistical Genomics at the French Biotechnology company, Genset, where he helped guide efforts to construct the first high-density map of the human genome. Dr. Schork has been selected as a member of a number of scientific journal editorial boards, is a frequent participant in U.S. National Institutes of Health-related steering committees and review boards, and has also been on the advisory board of five companies. He is currently Director of the Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core of the NIA-sponsored Longevity Consortium and a member of the NHGRI’s Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) data analysis committee. Dr. Schork has published over 400 scientific articles and book chapters on the analysis of complex, multifactorial traits and diseases. Dr. Schork earned a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in Statistics, and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology all from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

DR. SCHORK’S AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Massive amounts of data are being generatedfor biomedical research purposes using ultra-high-throughputassays and technologies, such as gene expression microarrays,proteomics platforms, high-throughout sequencing technologiesand imaging devices. This wealth of information, especiallywhen combined with medical record databases and other clinicaland epidemiological data, create unprecedented opportunitiesin translational research. Informatics helps scientists to makesense of all this data and thereby plays a critical role in expeditingthe application of research findings from the bench  to the bedside.The STSI has developed rigorous and comprehensive informaticsand data analysis strategies and resources for translational research. The institute’s expertise and capabilities in informatics are summarizedbelow.

Dr. Schork’s lab members  collaborate with physicians andreserachers to develop statistical methodologies aimed atclinical investigations, and in particular individualized medicinestudies to the forefront of medical care. Current projects includethe design of gene-based and “N-of-1” clinical trials(including a N-of-1 investigation on hypertension) and a validationstudy on the “pocket-mobile-echo” as a quick screening alternativeto trans-thoracic echocardiography.

STSI researchers consult and collaborate with investigators about:

  • General biostatistical analysis including multivariate analysis.
  • Clinical trials design and analysis.
  • Population science, including epidemiology, population genetics, risk profiling
  • Power and sample size calculations
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