Kara Beck, MS

Associate Scientist I, Data Analysis
Population Science

Headshot of Kara Beck in a white and blue blouse and black blazer.

What Motivates Me

I got into public health research after working in social services, because I wanted to study and improve the systems that affect people¡¯s health and wellbeing. As a data analyst at ACS, I know that the research I¡¯m doing will help people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.¡±

At ACS since 2025

As an Associate Scientist I in Data Analysis within Population Science, Kara Beck, MS, works with other ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï (ACS) researchers and outside collaborators to conduct statistical analyses associated with the investigation of cancer risk factors using cohort data from ACS's Cancer Prevention Studies, CPS-II and CPS-3.

Research focus and accomplishments

Beck's previous research included using Bayesian models and frequentist methods to look at:

  • Rural-urban disparities in cardiovascular disease mortality
  • Spatiotemporal associations in county-level COVID mortality
  • Weighting and modeling methods to leverage electronic health records for hypertension disease surveillance

She is excited to apply her statistical skillset to cancer research.

Contact?

kara.beck@cancer.org

Work before ACS

  • CDC, Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, ORISE Fellow
  • Drexel University, Research Assistant
  • Public Health Management Corporation, Research Assistant
  • Montgomery County Community Action Development Commission, SNAP Outreach Coordinator

Education

  • MS: Biostatistics, Drexel University, 2021
  • BA: Economics, Lehigh University, 2012

Personal life?

I live in Atlanta, GA, and enjoy doing improv, weightlifting, line dancing, and game nights.