Michael Booth, Ph.D.
Systems architect for data. I build the infrastructure that makes analysis scalable, repeatable, and right.
Systems architect for data. I build the infrastructure that makes analysis scalable, repeatable, and right.
I'm a systems architect for data, obsessed with the details that most people ignore but truly matter. I bridge statistical rigor with technical architecture, user experience, and end-to-end automation. I build the infrastructure that makes analysis scalable, repeatable, and right.
I'm a technical wizard who also sits on the leadership team. I'm both business strategy and the hands that get it done. Too many people at my level become talkers. I'm a doer.
I think about research design from first principles, model for actual business decisions, and obsess over the decisions that determine whether your data is garbage or gold.
Ph.D. in Public Health from University of Michigan (NIA Scholar, Institute for Social Research, Demography cognate), M.S. in Applied Psychology, B.A. in Behavioral Science.
I also run SlideLink, an independent practice where I build bespoke data automation systems for companies with broken workflows that need elegant solutions.
Ph.D., Public Health
2021
M.S., Applied Psychology
2016
B.A., Behavioral Science
2013
Specialized knowledge at the intersection of methods, data, and impact.
Longitudinal cohort studies, population health research, and health outcomes analysis. Domain expertise in rheumatology, aging, and medical claims databases.
Regression techniques (linear, logistic, Cox survival), conjoint analysis, discrete choice models, Hierarchical Bayes, and willingness-to-pay estimation.
Random Forest, decision trees, market segmentation, predictive modeling, and classification. Proficient in R, SQL, Q Research Software, and Displayr.
Peer-reviewed research and scholarly contributions.
Authors: Booth MJ, Kobayashi LC, Janevic MR, Clauw D, Piette JD
Journal: BMC Rheumatology, 5(1):48
Summary: Longitudinal cohort study using Health and Retirement Study data linked to Medicare claims, examining whether immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) increase risk of Alzheimer's disease. Findings showed no increased AD risk among IMID patients over a 6-year follow-up period.
Authors: Booth MJ, Janevic MR, Kobayashi LC, Clauw D, Piette JD
Journal: BMC Rheumatology, 5(24)
Summary: Cross-sectional analysis of 4,462 participants from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study with linked Medicare claims. Used ICD codes to identify RA diagnoses and the Langa-Weir Classification for cognitive status. Found no association between RA and cognitive impairment in this nationally representative sample.
Authors: Booth MJ, Clauw D, Janevic MR, Kobayashi LC, Piette JD
Journal: ACR Open Rheumatology, 3(4):239-246
Summary: Validation study of 3,768 Medicare-eligible respondents from the Health and Retirement Study. Compared self-reported RA diagnoses against three claims-based algorithms. Found that most older adults who self-report RA do not have Medicare claims history consistent with that diagnosis, suggesting need for revised survey questions.
Discipline, dedication, and competitive excellence.
Athletics has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional development. The discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience cultivated through competitive sports directly translate to my approach to research and problem-solving. As a retired professional cyclist with three state championships and over 60 career wins, I learned the value of data-driven preparation, tactical decision-making under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains. These skills directly inform my analytical work today.
Interested in collaboration, consulting, or speaking opportunities?
I'm always open to discussing new research collaborations, consulting projects, or speaking engagements. Feel free to reach out.
