RUNC: Annika Cleven
Annika Cleven uses biostatistics to inform personalized treatments for back pain.
By UNC Research
July 9, 2025
Annika Cleven is a PhD student in the Department of Biostatistics within the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She analyzes data from the Biomarkers for Evaluating Spine Treatments (BEST) trial to develop a precision medicine approach to treat chronic lower back pain.
Q: How did you discover your specific field of study?
A: I’ve always been interested in biology, medicine, math, and statistics — but I never felt like I could choose just one. The more I learned, the more I realized how connected they are. Taking classes across all those areas at my undergraduate, St. Olaf College, confirmed it for me: Biostatistics was the right mix of everything I enjoyed. It let me develop and apply statistical methods to solve issues related to biology and medicine.
Q: Academics are problem-solvers. Describe a research challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it.
A: Biostatistics is an incredibly interdisciplinary field. To effectively apply, or even develop, the right statistical techniques, biostatisticians must become fluent in the subject matter of the problem. While working as a graduate researcher on the BEST trial, I quickly realized that implementing the necessary statistical methods meant immersing myself in biomechanics, physical therapy, and the logistics of the trial. The sheer volume of information I needed to absorb was a real challenge. Learning how to ask the right questions — and articulate where I needed guidance — helped me identify knowledge gaps and find the most effective path forward.
Impact Report
Annika Cleven’s research helps personalize treatment for back pain. She is one of more than 9,000 graduate students at Carolina. Some will become the next generation of professors and researchers; others will pursue private sector jobs, fueling fields like technology, science, health care, art, and music.
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and often prevents people from going to work, according to the World Health Organization.
Q: Describe your research in five words.
A: Personalizing treatment for back pain.
Q: Who or what inspires you? Why?
A: My parents. My dad is an analytical chemist and one of the smartest people I know, but what stands out most is how he combines intelligence with compassion and consistency. My mom is the president of a bank and approaches every challenge with positivity and resilience, demonstrating leadership that could guide any team through the trickiest situations. I try to follow their example every day!
Q: If you could pursue any other career, what would it be and why?
A: A backpacking guide. Getting to explore mountains, trails, and lakes every day sounds amazing — and being able to share that adventure, along with the creativity the outdoors brings, makes it even better.
Research UNCovered delves into the lives of Carolina researchers from all disciplines and career levels, showcasing not only their research prowess but personal experiences in academia and beyond. Read more RUNC features here.