Preeti Moorthy

Biostatistician & Epidemiologist
Louisiana Department of Health
New Orleans, Lousiana 70112

Preeti Moorthy is a biostatistician, epidemiologist, and dentist with a strong interdisciplinary background spanning public health, clinical science, and quantitative research. She currently serves as a BFH Mortality Surveillance Epidemiologist at the Louisiana Department of Health, where she applies advanced statistical methods to analyze complex public health data and support evidence-based decision-making. With formal training from the Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Preeti brings a rigorous, data-driven approach to population health challenges. Her professional interests center on biostatistics, multivariate analysis, and data visualization, with broad experience across medical, environmental, and epidemiological studies. Preeti has worked across the full research lifecycle, including study design, monitoring, data cleaning, statistical modeling, interpretation, and reporting of findings from clinical trials and environmental exposure assessments. She is particularly motivated by identifying disease risk factors and developing innovative statistical methodologies that translate complex data into actionable public health insights. In addition to her analytical expertise, Preeti brings a global and clinical perspective shaped by her background as a dentist and her experience working across diverse health systems. She is deeply committed to advancing evidence-based public health strategies that inform policy, reduce health disparities, and improve population-level outcomes. Through her work, she aims to bridge rigorous statistical science with meaningful, real-world impact in public health practice.

Preeti has an extensive experience in mortality surveillance, maternal and child health, and health equity research. My work focuses on translating complex data into clear, actionable insights that inform prevention strategies, policy decisions, and equitable health interventions.

Currently, I serve as a Mortality Surveillance Epidemiologist at the Louisiana Department of Health, where I manage statewide Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Child Death Review (CDR) systems. I lead advanced analytic initiatives, including Perinatal Periods of Risk analyses, firearm-related child mortality studies, and continuous quality improvement efforts that strengthen data quality, interpretation, and public health response. I also supervise regional review coordinators and collaborate closely with state agencies, community partners, and advisory panels to improve maternal and child health outcomes across Louisiana.

My background includes applied research and data systems leadership at Tulane University’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where I have contributed to large-scale studies on infant mortality, household air pollution, lupus education, and maternal-infant data linkage. I have produced statewide and regional reports, supported grant-funded projects, and presented findings to policymakers, health coalitions, and academic audiences.

In addition to my public health work, I bring a strong foundation in clinical practice from my earlier career as a dental practitioner and community health advocate in India. This combination of clinical experience and population-level analytics allows me to approach public health challenges with both technical rigor and real-world perspective.

I am passionate about data-driven prevention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing health equity for women, children, and underserved communities.

• This Is Public Health Ambassador Program 2023-2024 Cohort
• Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research Course

• Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
• Master of Science in Public Health in Biostatistics, GPA 3.901. Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine at Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) Aug 2024
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, GPA 3.06. Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (Nashik, India) August 2008

• Dean’s Outstanding Student Service Award (April 2024), Dean’s Scholarship (June 2023)
• CITI Program
• Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research Course
• Conflict of Interest
• Group1. Biomedical Research Investigators
• D Key Personnel. Tulane’s LA Cats Research Coordinator Level 1 and Research Coordinator Level 3

• American Statistical Association, Member (2022-Present)
• Indian Dental Association, Member (2008-Present)

Q

What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to strong analytical skills paired with a deep appreciation for community. The ability to think critically, interpret data, and solve complex problems has guided my professional growth, while the support, collaboration, and shared purpose within my community continue to motivate and strengthen my work.

Locations

Louisiana Department of Health

1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, Lousiana 70112

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