Longitudinal Cognitive Trajectory Modelling and Phenotyping with Multiple Features using Health Administrative Data
This project aims to develop and apply both model-based and algorithm-based statistical and machine learning methods to longitudinal trajectory clustering of multiple repeatedly measured features of cognitive decline.
Lead: Kuan Liu
Affiliates: Geoffrey M. Anderson
Investigating regional trends in electronic cigarette consumption in Canada and identifying geographical characteristics associated with high consumption
This study investigates the prevalence of e-cigarette consumption and neighbourhood/community characteristics across Canada.
Lead: Kuan Liu
I am an Assistant Professor of Health Services Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, and hold a cross-appointment in the Division of Biostatistics at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. I hold a PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Toronto, a MMath in Statistics-Biostatistics from the University of Waterloo, and a BSc Honours in Statistics from the University of Alberta.
My research program focuses on advancing the application of Bayesian methods in the design and analysis of longitudinal observational studies and real-world clinical trials. This is achieved through the development of novel methodologies, innovative application of statistical techniques, and close collaboration with clinical and public health research scientists. My methodological interests include causal inference, applied Bayesian statistics, longitudinal data analysis, measurement errors and bias analysis, as well as semi-parametric and parametric joint modelling.
Methodological research themes
- Bayesian causal inference methods and software tools for complex longitudinal observational data.
- Statistical approaches and frameworks to address violations of causal assumptions.
- Bayesian methods for the design and analysis of clinical trials.
Clinical and public health applications
Healthy cognitive aging and dementia prevention
- Quantifying the causal relationship between modifiable risk factors and cognitive decline in the aging population
- Investigating population heterogeneity in cognitive decline
Comparative effectiveness research in critical care and pediatric medicine
- Heterogeneous treatment effects
- Target trial emulation
- Application of Bayesian methods
- Clinical phenotyping
Population and public health
- Quantifying the impact of COVID-19 school closures on the mental health of school-aged children and young adults in Canada
- Investigating regional trends in electronic cigarette consumption in Canada
- Spatial environmental exposure modelling and mapping using machine learning
- Quantifying the causal effects of single and combined environmental hazards on health outcomes among older adults.
Kali Barrett
PhD Graduate Student
Thesis: Quantifying the Burden of Disease of Hospitalizations for Community-Acquired COVID-19 on the Ontario Healthcare System: Mortality, Hospital Resource Utilization, and Health System Costs
Supervisors: Beate Sander, Damon C. Scales, Kuan Liu
Yannay Khaikin
MSc Graduate Student
Thesis: Prevention of perineal injury during vaginal birth
Supervisors: Kuan Liu