The Best of the AACR Journals Collection: Author Profiles

Nadia Howlader 

Title & Affiliation:
Program Director/Mathematical Statistician, Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland.

Most-cited Article:
Differences in Breast Cancer Survival by Molecular Subtypes in the United States

Q: What is your primary area of study/research?
A: Population-based cancer rates and trends for descriptive analyses; application of innovative approaches/statistical models to look at cancer rates and trends in the population over time.

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?
A: Studying and solving problems has always brought me a lot of pleasure. I studied mathematics and statistics as an undergraduate student and when I learned that one can use these subjects to solve real-world problems, I developed a strong passion for scientific research in the domain of public health.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?
A: Cancer surveillance research provides a window into the burden of the disease through careful monitoring of incidence, morbidity, survival, and mortality. I have a passion for applying innovative approaches to assess incidence rates and trends over time to address important questions arising in cancer research.

Q: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?
A: I love to go for walks and think on random topics. I also love watching foreign films. Finally, I love to bake and try out new recipes.