Olivia C. Houck, MPH

Bio

I am a fourth year PhD student focused on clinical outcomes research involving traumatic injury. My dissertation work focuses on access to care for rural traumatic injury, including prehospital transport times and factors placing strain on rural trauma centers. I am currently working as a graduate research assistant with the Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care.

I began my doctoral studies with almost 10 years of work experience in public health and healthcare data management. After completing my MPH, I worked as an emergency planner and epidemiologist for a county health department just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I then shifted to traumatic injury, managing data and research efforts for the Northern Ohio Trauma System (NOTS), a collaborative of trauma centers serving the greater Cleveland area. In this role, I worked with EMS, nurses, and physicians to use registry data to define population burden of traumatic injury in Northeast Ohio and evaluate clinical guidelines. I was also involved in statewide collaborations via the Ohio Regional Trauma Organizations Coalition and was a founding Co-Chair of the NOTS Research Committee.

I enjoy working on research with clinicians at all stages of care to improve outcomes of the injured patient. I also have an interest in collaborating with government agencies and policymakers to leverage research for policy change where needed.

Area of Emphasis: Clinical Outcomes Research

Advisor: Sayeh Nikpay, PhD

Publications

Google Scholar

Education:

• MPH, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

  • Graduate certificate, Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response

• BA, Norwich University, Northfield, VT

Contact: houck070@umn.edu