Biography

With more than 25 years at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI), Laura Ichikawa, MS, is known for her analytical skills, attention to detail regarding study design and data management, and knowledge in data visualization. Her experience includes observational studies, randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and multisite analyses.

Laura is primarily focused on cancer research and women’s health. She’s has been involved with the Statistical Coordinating Center for the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC), funded by the National Cancer Institute.  She leads both data management activities and statistical analyses for the BCSC, where much of her work has been evaluating mammography performance for both screening and surveillance while also examining use of screening MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound. Laura also participated in collaborative research through the Cancer Research Network, including a widely publicized 2004 study that linked not having screening mammograms to late-stage breast cancer and, more recently, the Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process (PROSPR) project focusing on colorectal cancer screening. She is excited to continue her work in cancer research, including in screening, treatment, surveillance, and survival.

Laura’s earlier research with retired KPWHRI Senior Investigator Delia Scholes, PhD, included studies examining bone loss associated with the injectable hormonal contraceptive Depo-Provera in 2002 and 2005 and oral contraceptives in 2011.

Laura is a member of the American Statistical Association and its Puget Sound chapter.