Finding the Human Story in the Data: Dr. Michael Machiorlatti’s Journey to Biostatistics
For Michael Machiorlatti, Ph.D., the path to biostatistics was anything but linear.
He began his undergraduate studies at Aquinas College as a biology major, initially planning to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a physician. But after spending time in lab-heavy science courses, he realized the traditional pre-med route wasn’t the right fit. Midway through his sophomore year, he pivoted to economics, completing a double major and discovering a strong aptitude for mathematics and statistics. Preparing for graduate study in economics required an intense immersion in quantitative coursework—nine math and statistics courses in just a year and a half. After earning a master’s degree in economics, he found himself drawn less to economic theory and more to statistical reasoning.
“I was a good economist,” he says. “But I was a better statistician.”
That realization led him to pursue further graduate training in mathematics, including a master’s degree in applied mathematics. For a time, he seriously considered earning a Ph.D. in pure math. But while exploring options in Oklahoma City, he visited the University of Oklahoma's biostatistics program, and everything shifted.
After conversations with faculty about the program's mission and vision, he recognized biostatistics as “the perfect marriage” of rigorous quantitative work and meaningful service in the health sciences.
“I could continue doing technical, mathematical work,” he explains, “but in a way that directly impacts people’s health.”
Dr. Machiorlatti earned his Ph.D. at the Hudson College of Public Health, later accepted a faculty position in Texas, and ultimately returned to Oklahoma City, where he now serves as a faculty member in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
Returning to Hudson College
After completing his doctoral training, Dr. Machiorlatti joined the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. The experience broadened his teaching and collaborative work, but several factors eventually drew him back to Oklahoma.
Family was one. He met his wife in Oklahoma City, where her family still lives. Professional mentorship was another. He credits former advisors at Hudson College with shaping his approach to both theoretical and applied statistics and values the opportunity to continue working alongside colleagues whose work has national recognition and impact.
He also believes strongly in the trajectory of Hudson College itself. He describes the College as an institution in a period of dynamic growth, home to nationally recognized researchers and meaningful collaborations that extend well beyond Oklahoma.
“When people say their work is ‘national’ or ‘global,’ what they’re really saying is that it’s affecting people’s lives in a positive way,” he says. “That’s what matters.”
Statistics with Purpose
Dr. Machiorlatti has collaborated on projects spanning oncology, tobacco research, neurosurgery, and more. While the subject matter varies, his approach remains consistent: statistics must serve a purpose.
“Every theoretical construct in statistics is meant to be applied,” he says. “Often the best statistical theory is born out of real problems.”
His favorite collaborations are those in which principal investigators are genuinely committed to solving meaningful public health challenges.
“You don’t do complicated statistics just to do complicated statistics,” he explains. “You do it because you want a more reliable estimate and you want to understand something that affects people.”
At its core, he emphasizes that biostatistics is about analyzing data that represents real individuals.
“You’re not just analyzing data,” he says. “You’re analyzing data on people.”
The Importance of Early Collaboration
One of the most common pitfalls in research, Dr. Machiorlatti notes, is bringing in a biostatistician too late in the process.
“Ideally, we’re involved during the planning stages,” he says.
From defining variables to determining sampling strategies and ensuring the right data are collected, early collaboration strengthens study design and protects valuable resources, especially in public health, where funding and time are often limited.
“If you don’t have the right data to answer your research question, that’s a serious problem,” he says. “Coming to us early helps make projects more robust.”
He views science as inherently iterative: a process of learning, refining, and improving over time. He sees Hudson College as an environment that supports that mindset, where faculty are encouraged to pursue new ideas and collaborations.
“There’s an attitude here of ‘What’s next?’” he says. “People are willing to build on what they’ve learned.”
Teaching with Rigor and Empathy
In addition to his research collaborations, Dr. Machiorlatti teaches both undergraduate and graduate students. He understands that statistics can feel intimidating, particularly when students encounter advanced mathematical language or abstract theory.
“One of the hardest things for students is understanding why we’re doing what we’re doing,” he says. “If you don’t see the motivation, the methods feel abstract.”
His teaching philosophy centers on competency-based education. Courses are designed with clear learning objectives and transparent expectations. If students meet the competencies, he believes they should succeed.
“The focus should be on mastering the material,” he says.
He also emphasizes growth over perfection.
“You don’t have to be perfect the first time you try something,” he says. “Studying hard things requires effort, revision, and patience.”
Above all, he encourages students (whether they are majoring in biostatistics or another area of public health) to recognize the human dimension of data.
“We’re in the business of dealing with people,” he says. “There has to be an empathetic component even in data analysis.”
Beyond the Data
Outside the classroom and away from his computer, Dr. Machiorlatti’s focus is simple: family.
With two young children at home, most of his time outside of work is spent with them—whether at the driving range, hitting golf balls, or simply enjoying everyday routines together.
“When I’m not working, I just want to hang out with my kids,” he says.
The same philosophy that guides his teaching (meeting people where they are and helping them grow) extends to his parenting style.
Advice for Future Public Health Professionals
For students considering careers in public health, biostatistics, or data science, Dr. Machiorlatti offers direct advice: Be passionate. Be diligent. Take the work seriously.
“This field requires effort,” he says. “We’re dealing with real problems that affect real people. If you’re willing to put in the work and you care about what you’re doing, you can grow your skill set as far as you want.”
At Hudson College of Public Health, he sees a community that reflects those values.
“People here care,” he says. “They’re invested. When you combine rigor, empathy, and collaboration, that’s when you really start making an impact.”