Deborah Mensah Bennor

Research interests include longitudinal data analysis, causal inference, missing data methods, and statistical methodology for clinical and population health research. I am particularly interested in developing rigorous analytical approaches that improve health outcomes and advance health equity. Known for teamwork and adaptability, with skills in data analysis and academic writing.

• Sickle Cell Disease and Sexuality Research Study (Ongoing)

Provides biostatistical support for an ongoing study investigating sexuality and reproductive health among individuals living with sickle cell disease. Contributed to study design development, questionnaire review, and methodological consultation. Current responsibilities include statistical analysis, interpretation of findings, and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication.

• Clinical Evaluation of mTORC1 Inhibition for Geroprotection: Everolimus Aging Study (EVERLAST) (2025)

Conducted exploratory data analysis (EDA) for a clinical trial evaluating the effects of mTORC1 inhibition through everolimus as a geroprotective intervention.

• Recruitment, Retention, and Reporting of Ethnic Diversity Variables in Randomized Controlled Trials (2024)

Conducted an umbrella review examining recruitment, retention, and reporting practices related to ethnic diversity in randomized controlled trials. Synthesized evidence across systematic reviews to identify methodological gaps and recommendations for improving diversity reporting in clinical research. Findings were published in BMJ Open.

• Improved Random Effects Model Considering Missing Data Imputation Techniques (2023)

Developed and evaluated an enhanced random effects modeling framework incorporating advanced missing data imputation methods for longitudinal studies. Assessed model performance under varying missingness mechanisms to improve estimation accuracy and statistical inference.

• Prevalence and Associated Determinants of Malaria Among Under-Five Children in Ghana (2022)

Applied regression modeling and epidemiological data analysis techniques to identify factors associated with malaria prevalence among children under five years of age in Ghana. Generated evidence to support targeted disease prevention and public health interventions.

• Prevalence and Determinants of Sexual Abuse Among Adolescent Girls During COVID-19 Lockdown (2022)

Utilized mixed-methods research and statistical analysis to examine the prevalence and determinants of sexual abuse among adolescent girls in Ghana during COVID-19-related school closures. Findings informed policy discussions on child protection and were published in Child Abuse & Neglect.

• Determinants of Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Agricultural Insurance in Northern Ghana: Insights for Financial Risk Management. Contribution Authors: Addison, Monica; Mensah Bennor, Deborah; Abawiera Wongnaa, Camillus; Acheampong, Patricia Pinamang; Adu, Celestina. Manuscript ID is AFR-02-2025-0027. Submitted to Agricultural Finance Review. currently under peer review

• Owusu-Addo, E., Bennor, D.M., Orkin, A.M., Chan, A.W., Welch, V.A., Treweek, S., Green, H., Feldman, P., Ghersi, D. and Brijnath, B., 2024. Recruitment, retention and reporting of variables related to ethnic diversity in randomized controlled trials: an umbrella review. BMJ open, 14(8), p.e084889.

• Owusu-Addo E., Owusu-Addo SB., Bennor DM., Mensah-Odum N., Deliege,A., Bansal.A, Yoshikawa M., Odameet J. (2022) Prevalence and determinants of sexual abuse among adolescent girls during the COVID-19 lockdown and school closures in Ghana: A mixed method study, Child Abuse & Neglect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105997

• Morgridge Summer Fellowship — 2026
• Honorable Mention for Outstanding Teaching Assistant, Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin–Madison — 2025
• ENAR Fostering Diversity in Biostatistics Workshop Travel Award — 2025
• Best Graduating Female Statistics Student — 2021
• First Place, Ghana Association of Statistics Students Writing Competition — 2021
• First Place, Women in Statistics–Ghana Undergraduate Writing Competition — 2020
• Best Second-Year Female Statistics Student — 2018

• Programming & Tools: R, STATA, SAS, SPSS
• Data Science Techniques: Machine Learning, Bayesian Analysis, Time Series Modeling, Multivariate Analysis
• Optimization & Problem Solving: Linear Programming, Simulation Analysis
• Other Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, LaTeX, Data Visualization
• Soft Skills: Analytical Thinking, Team Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Problem-Solving, Communication, Adaptability, Resilience, Ethical Reasoning

• Graduate Experience Panelist – STATFest
  American Statistical Association, Committee on Minorities in Statistics | 2026
  Participated as a panelist mentoring students on graduate education, research experiences, and career pathways in statistics and biostatistics.

• Experienced Teaching Assistant Panelist
  Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin–Madison | 2026
  Invited panelist sharing teaching experiences, instructional strategies, and practical guidance with new graduate teaching assistants.

• Teaching Assistant – Statistics
  University of Wisconsin–Madison | Madison, WI | Spring 2025–Present
  STAT 324: Applied Statistics for Science and Engineering. Lead discussion sections and office hours covering probability, statistical inference, regression, and data analysis in R; grade assignments and examinations.

• Teaching Assistant – Statistics
  University of Wisconsin–Madison | Madison, WI | Fall 2024
  STAT 301: Introduction to Statistical Methods. Led discussion sessions, supported student learning through office hours and exam preparation, and graded assignments and examinations.

• Course Instructor – Statistics
  Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology | Kumasi, Ghana | January–June 2024
  STAT 255: Introductory Statistics & Probability. Served as primary instructor for a class of 120+ students, designing and delivering lectures, assessments, and examinations.

• Academic Writing Tutor – International Students
  2023–Present
  Provide individualized support in academic writing, research communication, and scholarly presentation.

• Volunteer Mathematics Teacher
  Ayeduase, Ghana | 2022–2024
  Taught foundational mathematics and provided academic mentorship to students from underserved communities.

• Fostering Diversity in Biostatistics workshop (Eastern North American region) - March 2025
• Inequality analysis using R: Disaggregated data from surveys (World Health Organization) - September 2023
• Cybersecurity Basics (Internet Cooperation of Assigned Numbers) - May 2023
• Injury Research Training (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Trauma Project) - May 2023