Kavita Batra, Ph.D., MPH, BDS, FRSPH, is an assistant professor and senior medical research biostatistician with the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. She provides statistical and research training to faculty, residents, fellows, and medical students within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. Additionally, she collaborates with other schools across campus to perform interdisciplinary research. Dr. Batra began her career in India as a dental surgeon and public health officer. She received her master’s and doctorate degree in public health from UNLV. Her research interests include, but are not limited to, maternal and child health, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, understanding social determinants of health, vaccine hesitancy, clinical research, and evidence synthesis (particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses). Dr. Batra also contributes to research and grants projects related to traffic safety, which includes linked Nevada traffic database research, analysis of improper use of child restraints on roadside injuries, and Statistical Transparency of Policing (STOP) grant.

Dr. Batra has published multiple peer-reviewed articles to investigate the far-ranging impact of COVID-19 among diverse groups. Her work received several mentions in the media (e.g. Medscape, and Inside Higher Ed) and by researchers at the global level. One of her meta-analytical pieces of evidence was also utilized by the European Union to synthesize evidence related to mental health and resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. For a complete list of Dr. Batra’s scholarly works, please visit her Google Scholar page. Dr. Batra is an expert in qualitative and quantitative research and presented her work in several state, national, and international public health conferences. She has extensive experience in developing and validating survey instruments. Dr. Batra serves on the topical advisory panel of several journals, including dentistry, vaccines, and healthcare. Moreover, she serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Health and Social Sciences and is currently editing several special issues related to the COVID-19 impact and vaccine hesitancy with other journals too. Additionally, the co-vice chair of the research seminar planning committee for the office of research and director of internal medicine resident research at the school of medicine, Dr. Batra is an honorary member of Delta Omega-Delta Theta Chapter at UNLV, a Grad Alumni Ambassador, a key member to the Sexual Misconduct Taskforce, Nevada System of Higher Education, and a statewide secretory to the Nevada Public Health Association.