Thad Benefield is not your average statistician. By day, he meticulously sifts through decades of cancer screening data, endeavoring to make messy data more accurate to advance medical research. By night (or, more accurately, in the early hours of the morning), he is in the gym, pursuing his passion for powerlifting. Somewhere in between, he鈥檚 chasing after his energetic daughter, savoring spicy foods, and devouring horror novels.
Thad’s journey to his current role at the 黑料网 Epidemiology Research Team (ERT) is a testament to both chance and dedication. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he arrived at 黑料网 in 1994 as an undergraduate with a keen interest in mathematics and science. Unlike many students who waver between majors, Thad knew from the outset that biostatistics was his calling. 鈥淚 saw this wonderful major called biostatistics and thought, hey, that sounds great,鈥� he recalls. That instinct served him well鈥攈e earned his master鈥檚 degree in the field and even pursued PhD coursework before life took him on a slightly different path.
Mastering the Art of Data Sleuthing
After some time outside academia, Thad found his way back to 黑料网 through a chance encounter with a former professor who needed assistance. One project led to another, and before long, he found his home in the Department of Radiology, where he has been an integral part of ERT.
As a self-described 鈥渄ata sleuth,鈥� Thad specializes in managing and analyzing extensive datasets related to breast, lung, and liver cancer screenings. With data dating back to 1994, inconsistencies and missing values are inevitable, but Thad thrives on the challenge of making sense of it all. His work extends beyond just data sleuthing; he plays a crucial role in statistical modeling for research papers, grant proposals, and linking internal data with broader sources like Medicare claims and state cancer registries.
鈥淭had has been working with our group since I joined the team over 5 years ago and continues to be a wonderful colleague,鈥� 聽says Lindsay Lane, Radiology Epi Research Project manager. 鈥淭had is thoughtful, dependable, and will take the time to explain his reasoning in a way that the entire team can understand. He is always willing to step in and offer help or guidance to others on the team.鈥�
A Passion for Powerlifting and Spice
While he loves his work, Thad acknowledges that his interests stretch far beyond statistics. One of his biggest passions鈥攑owerlifting鈥攈as been a part of his life since he was 14. 鈥淚 was very avid about competing,鈥� he says, though severe elbow arthritis hassidelined him from competition. Despite this setback, he continues to train regularly, embodying the discipline and resilience that define both his professional and personal life.
Another passion? Food鈥攕pecifically, spicy and eclectic cuisines. Whenever he visits a new city, he seeks out obscure ethnic restaurants, always in pursuit of the next fiery dish. If you ever need a recommendation for a hole-in-the-wall eatery with bold flavors, Thad is your guy.
Family First
Beyond his personal interests, Thad is a devoted family man. He welcomed his daughter just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold, a twist of fate that allowed him to work remotely and be present for those early, irreplaceable moments. Now that she鈥檚 in preschool, he鈥檚 back on campus a couple of days a week, balancing work and fatherhood with remarkable ease. He also has two stepsons, further enriching his family life.
Lessons from the Journey
Reflecting on his journey, Thad shares some wisdom: 鈥淚 wish I had taken things a little less seriously and had more fun when I was younger.鈥� Always mature beyond his years, he sometimes wonders if he missed out on the carefree experiences of youth. Still, his career trajectory has reaffirmed an important lesson鈥攆inding work you truly love makes all the difference. After an unfulfilling stint in the pharmaceutical industry, he realized that academia was where he truly belonged. 鈥淚n academia, you have more time to learn new things,鈥� he explains. The opportunity for continuous learning, flexibility, and intellectual stimulation is what keeps him engaged.
Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger
If Thad could sit down with one person, alive or dead, he would choose Arnold Schwarzenegger. He admires the former bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician for his relentless drive and ability to excel across multiple fields. Through sheer hard work, he came to America penniless, barely speaking English, and became a huge success in multiple endeavors.聽 That admiration makes sense鈥擳had himself embodies the same multifaceted determination, applying his 鈥渟trong-willed鈥� nature (his word of choice to describe himself) to every aspect of his life.
And if Hollywood ever came calling for a film about his life? 鈥淧eople used to say I look like Vin Diesel, so I guess I would go with that,鈥� he laughs.
Always Striving for the Best
Whether he鈥檚 uncovering critical trends in cancer research, lifting weights, exploring new cuisines, or chasing his daughter around the playground, Thad Benefield is always pushing himself to be the best version of himself. If his autobiography ever hits the shelves, it would bear a fitting title: Determined Happiness .
It鈥檚 a philosophy that has served him well鈥攁nd one that continues to shape his ever-evolving journey.