Welcome to the Zheng Group

The Zheng Lab focuses on advancing statistical methodology to strengthen rigor and impact of biomarker research in disease screening, early detection, and active surveillance. Our work integrates methodological innovation with biomedical collaboration to reduce disease burden and improve patient outcomes.

We specialize in developing novel statistical tools for medical decision-making in screening, surveillance and outcome prediction. Key areas include:

• Evaluation of Biomarkers & Risk Models – Assessing clinical validity and utility of biomarkers in prospective cohorts, with focus on censored time-to-event outcomes.
• Dynamic Risk Prediction & Surveillance – Creating decision rules for active surveillance of high-risk populations using longitudinal biomarker data.
• Targeted Learning & Clinical Decision Tools – Designing multimodality decision rules that balance benefit and harm through targeted learning.
• Biomarker Utility & Screening Trials – Applying mathematical modeling for rigorous study designs of clinical utility trials.
• Screening Process Evaluation – Using electronic health records to assess screening workflows and program quality.

Our research is driven by collaborative leadership roles in the NCI Early Detection Research Network (EDRN), the Liquid Biopsy Consortium (LBC), and the PROSPR Coordinating Center. Ultimately, the Zheng Lab seeks to advance rigorous methods and innovative trial designs that enable reliable biomarker evaluation and personalized disease management strategies to improve survival outcomes.