— College of Public Health — Departments — Epidemiology — Faculty & Staff — Sai Paritala, MPH, PharmD

Sai Paritala, MPH, PharmD

COVID-19 Epidemiologist, Department of Epidemiology

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With a strong background in data science and epidemiology, Dr. Paritala specializes in infectious disease epidemiology, where he utilizes advanced statistical and machine-learning techniques to analyze disease patterns and predict health risks. His work involves developing and deploying machine learning models, conducting extensive data analysis, and crafting data-driven strategies that have a tangible impact on public health outcomes. Proficient in tools such as Python, R, SAS, Tableau, and Azure, he excels in managing large datasets and delivering actionable insights efficiently.

In addition to his technical expertise, he has experience mentoring data analysts and epidemiologists, helping them enhance their skills and advance their careers. He is passionate about using data science to create meaningful, lasting change in public health and is committed to applying his expertise to solve critical health issues.

Education

2017-2019, Master of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois, School of Public Health
2009-2015, Doctor of Pharmacy, Osmania University, India

Research Interests

Advancing infectious disease modeling
Developing machine learning applications for public health
Improving public health surveillance systems
Mentoring emerging professionals in data analysis

Selected Publications

Paritala, S., Xu, Y., Du, Y., Donahue, M., Maloney, P., & Lin, D.-Y. (2023). Effectiveness of bivalent boosters over nine and a half months in Nebraska. medRxiv.
Lin, D.-Y., Du, Y., Xu, Y., Paritala, S., Donahue, M., & Maloney, P. (2024). Durability of XBB.1.5 vaccines against Omicron subvariants. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Jeon, S., Rainisch, G., Lash, R. R., Moonan, P. K., Oeltmann, J. E., Greening, B. Jr., Adhikari, B. B., Contact Tracing Impact Group, & Meltzer, M. I. (2021). Estimates of cases and hospitalizations averted by COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing in 14 health jurisdictions in the United States. medRxiv.
Bai, J. (He), Brett-Major, D., Du, Y., Paritala, S., Peters, E., Ratnapradipa, K., & Maloney, P. (2024). Predictors of persistent COVID-19 vaccine refusal among the previously COVID-19 infected patients: Insights from Nebraska. Unpublished manuscript.

Professional Affiliations

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
Public Health Association of Nebraska