Overview
Nikki L. B. Freeman, PhD, joined the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and the Duke Clinical Research Institute in 2024. Her work focuses on building better, translatable, actionable methods and evidence for health and health care using statistical precision medicine framework. Her technical expertise is in dynamic treatment regimes, (Bayesian) machine learning, Bayesian analysis, topic modeling, clinical trial design including sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs), and systematic review and meta-analysis. Her collaborative projects span topics in health services research, global maternal-fetal health, diabetes, and vascular disease.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
·
2024 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics,
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Member in the Duke Clinical Research Institute
·
2024 - Present
Duke Clinical Research Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Using precision medicine methods to identify disease stages for chronic limb-threatening ischemia in participants of the BEST-CLI trial.
Journal Article J Vasc Surg · March 2026 BACKGROUND: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the most severe form of peripheral artery disease, is associated with a high risk of limb loss. CLTI clinical presentation is highly heterogeneous, ranging from neuropathic ulcers with only mild to mode ... Full text Link to item CiteVariation in Lipid Management for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Across US Health Systems.
Journal Article Circ Popul Health Outcomes · February 20, 2026 BACKGROUND: While health systems have implemented resources to improve lipid management in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the population-level effectiveness is unclear. METHODS: Electronic health record data from patients with atherosc ... Full text Link to item CiteDesign and rationale of RECOVER-AUTONOMIC: A randomized platform trial evaluating interventions for Long COVID postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
Journal Article Am Heart J · February 18, 2026 BACKGROUND: Post‑acute sequelae of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection (Long COVID) affect a substantial proportion of individuals, and among the many reported symptom clusters, autonomic dysfunction, particularly postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), represe ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Fusing rapid-cycle testing and adaptive trial designs: A scientific pipeline to translate and individualize evidence-based psychosocial and behavioral interventions in routine type 1 diabetes care
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2024 - 2027Tailored treatment strategies for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
2023
Ph.D.