Nicole White is an associate professor of statistics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. She is also a statistician and researcher at the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and the QUT Centre for Healthcare Transformation. She joined the Significance editorial board in November 2024
When did you realise statistics was the area for you?
I was fortunate to have great maths teachers throughout high school but I found it tricky to visualise what a career in maths looked like. At the time, I was equally drawn towards the humanities, particularly English and Japanese. My original plan when I started university was to become a science journalist, as I thought that this career would be a great way to combine my interests. As I started to take statistics units, I began to appreciate that it too was a language that could be used to turn data into useful information, particularly in health. I also enjoyed the coding side of statistics, whether it be wrangling data into shape for analysis or experimenting with a new method. Now as a researcher, I admit that I still get a thrill from being the first person to know the result of an analysis!
Please give us a brief overview of one of the most interesting projects you’re involved in at the AusHSI right now.
Much of the work I do at AusHSI involves collaborating with clinicians on clinical trials and observational studies, which I find very rewarding. The cross-disciplinary nature of my work has led to my interest in understanding factors that improve health and medical research quality. One project I have recently started is a survey of early career clinicians and statisticians about their experiences learning statistics and working together on research projects. Collaboration is essential in our respective fields, yet it is something that we are rarely taught how to do. When we have different opinions about how data should be analysed, understanding each other’s perspective can be helpful in finding a solution. I am hoping to use the results of this work to develop resources that will help early career researchers build skills and confidence in leading collaborative projects.
What developments in your field of statistics most excite you?
I am excited by new statistical methods that aim to make the most of data that has already been collected to inform decisions. At the moment, I am keen to learn more about applications of causal inference for estimating the impact of healthcare technologies. As someone who is often involved in designing clinical trials based in hospitals, it can be tricky to know how evidence about a promising new technology such as a prediction model might translate into a busy hospital environment. The use of causal inference offers an appealing way to investigate how the effects may play out, and therefore help hospital decision-makers prioritise which technologies should be invested in further.
If you had unlimited time, money and access to data, what is a question that you would love to find an answer for?
I would love to find answers to eliminate inequities that affect access to affordable, appropriate, high-quality healthcare. Health represents a significant portion of spending by governments around the world, yet billions of people are left without access to the right health services at the right time. This problem disproportionately affects underrepresented populations where, unfortunately, investment in data collection to understand their health needs are also lacking.
QUT is in Brisbane, which is short drive to some of Australia’s iconic beaches. Do you get to enjoy the ocean much or do you prefer terra firma?
A drive down to the Gold Coast is a brilliant way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning. A walk along the beach and quick dip in the ocean is always a must, but terra firma is my preferred place to be. Like many places in Australia, the Gold Coast has a great café culture if you’re willing to venture beyond the popular tourist spots. On scorching hot days, a short drive inland will lead you to centuries old rainforests in the Gold Coast Hinterland (and even a winery or two, if that’s your thing!)
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