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 American Cancer Society (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.