Section: Research

Wenjun Li, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Research Assistant Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Medicine
   Preventive and Behavioral Medicine

Other Affiliation(s):
   Clinical and Population Health Research

Wenjun Li, PhD is Assistant Professor of Medicine. His research focuses on analyzing impact of neighborhood environment on health and health behaviors. He is interested in identifying racial and socioeconomic disparities in health, and helping public health agencies to prioritize their prevention or research efforts. His current projects involve research into obesity, physical inactivity, nutrition, cigarette smoking, musculoskeletal conditions, and falls and bone fractures among older adults.  He also conducts methodological research on survey sampling, mixed models, and small area estimation.

On Going Projects/ Grants

1. Neighborhood Risk Factors for Falls in the Elderly (NIH/NIA; R01 AG028738-02; $965,753 direct, 04/08- 03/12. PI: Li W). This project identifies modifiable neighborhood environmental determinants of outdoor falls among community-dwelling elders, provides policy recommendations and suggests intervention strategies. Role: PI.

2. Obesity and Neighborhood Characteristics (NIH/NIEHS; 1R21ES014195-01, $275,000 direct, 09/05-08/08; PI: Li W). This project develops neighborhood measurements and quantifies their relation to individual’s obesity status. The project provides public health policy-makers with community-level health statistics to facilitate evidence-based policy-making at the community level. Role: PI.

3. Mixed Models for Finite Populations (NIH/NHLBI, 1R01HL071828-01A2 PI: Stanek E; $990,193 direct; 04/05 -03/09, subcontract to University of Massachusetts Amherst).  The project develops statistical methods for finite populations of clusters, specifically develop MSE expressions, non-linear model extensions and programs necessary for practical application of the methods.  Role: Co-Investigator.

4. Mechanisms of Protective Immunity Induced by Live Attenuated SIV Vaccines (NIH/NIAID P01 AI 071306-01A1 (PI: Johnson RP) (Subcontract to Harvard Medical School # 151128-0102; 04/07-03/11; subcontract total direct $142,282).  This program project aims to understand the effectiveness and mechanisms of protective immunity induced by live attenuated SIV vaccines. Role: Biostatistician.      

5. Flavivirus Infections: Pathogenesis and Prevention (NIH/NIAID, 2 P01 AI034533-15; PI: Rothman A; $7,875,619 direct, 04/08-03/13). The major goals of this Program Project are to understand the immunopathology of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), the severe complications of dengue virus infections.  Role: Co-Investigator/Biostatistician.

6. Perioperative Intervention to Improve Post-TKR Activity and Function (NIH/NIAMS; 1 R01 AR054479-01; PI: Franklin P; $1,048,249 total direct. 12/07-11/10).  This randomized surgeon blinded clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of preoperative psychosocial consoling to improve post surgery rehabilitation activity and function. Role: Co-Investigator/Biostatistician.                                    

7. Patient eHealth Tools to Guide Treatment Choices and Assess Outcomes (RWJF eHealth Program; PI: Franklin P; $400,000 total; 06/08-05/10). This project will develop new methods and media to facilitate surgeon-patients communications with regard to total knee replacement surgery. Role: Co-Investigator.

8. Active Living and Healthy Diet at the Workplace (NIH/NHLBI 1 R01 HL079483-01; PI: Lemon S; $668,125 total; 10/04-09/08). This project will refine, implement, evaluate and disseminate an environmental worksite intervention to promote active living and prudent diet to reduce burden of overweight and obesity among employees.  Role: Co-Investigator/Biostatistician.                             

Teaching

Research seminars on biostatistical applications.

Serving on advisory committees for CPHR doctoral students.

Service

Biostatistical consultation for researchers on and off campus.

Office: AC-7007
Phone: 508-856-6574
Fax: 508-856-4543
E-mail: Wenjun.Li@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Biostatistics, Obesity, Aging, Health Disparities, Survey Research

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