David Gjertson, Ph.D.

Research Interest: Since joining the faculties of each of the Departments of Biostatistics and Surgery in 1990, my research has focused on statistical issues related to two main topics - organ transplantation and DNA identification. In the transplantation arena, I have assisted in the investigation of novel organ allocation schemes which promise equitable allocation of scarce compatible kidneys even for small pools and for minority patients. My research has also centered on elucidating (via standard and Bayesian methodologies) the factors most strongly influencing long-term graft survival and predicting chronic organ failure. With regard to DNA identification, I have been able to follow-up my thesis research (concerning proper statistical interpretation of evidence) through collaboration with Long Beach Genetics, Inc., a genetic testing laboratory. Generally, my work involves deriving likelihoods of pedigrees based on DNA profiles with special problematic circumstances like mutation, population substructure or relatives as possible suspects.