Nathan Vandergrift

Nathan Vandergrift, PhD, is a research statistician with 20 years of experience in collaborative research. He has led numerous multisite research groups, both domestic and international, and has a depth of experience with large cooperative National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies (e.g. UM1, P01) and contracts, as well as Department of Defense (DoD) networks. He has subject matter experience with biomedicine, social science, and education policy.

Dr. Vandergrift is an expert statistical analyst, specializing in structural equation modeling, nonlinear and linear mixed-effects modeling, generalized linear models, nonparametric statistics, missing data, and statistical matching. Currently, he applies his statistical expertise and leadership skills to several federally funded, multisite networks focused on data-driven solutions to pressing public health concerns. Some of his current research projects include the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID) [NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID)], the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) [NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)], and the Pharmacotherapies for Substance Abuse and dependence (PASA) [DoD].

Prior to joining RTI in 2018, Dr. Vandergrift was the director of biostatistics for the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and the Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology. His research focused on novel detection and characterization methods, immunological responses, translational medicine from bench treatment, and interventions both pharmaceutical and behavioral. He also has former experience with education and childhood development research among at risk populations.