Jeffrey Heath
Professor of Mathematics and Data Science
Chair of the Data Science Program
NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative
Offices & Programs
Education
BS: Mathematics, Georgetown College
MS & PhD: Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computation, University of Maryland
BIOGRAPHY
Jeffrey Heath joined Centre’s faculty in 2007 and became associate professor of mathematics in 2013. He was named a Centre Scholar in 2011 and received the Kirk Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2019, and his courses consistently get remarkably high praise from students. His research interests include sports analytics and applied statistics in pharmacology, and he has mentored nearly 40 students in undergraduate research projects that have opened the doors to unique careers, including working with the Pittsburgh Steelers as just one example.
Heath and a student developed a statistical model that produced the appropriate dosage of vancomycin for patients with severe infections based on Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center (EMRMC) patient biometric data, dosages, and vancomycin trough levels in retrospective data. This nomogram was adopted by EMRMC, validated and dosed by over 20 pharmacists, and administered by countless nurses under the direction of multiple physicians. Their nomogram was also adopted by at least one additional hospital. Many of the projects he has collaborated on at EMRMC have resulted in new pharmaceutical and/or hospital protocols. These projects are impactful and make a difference for many in our region and the more than 119,000 people that EMRMC serves. Last year he was published in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists MidYear Clinical Meeting.
Heath graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown College with a B.S. in mathematics. He earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in applied mathematics and scientific computation from the University of Maryland, where he served as a teaching fellow in the mathematics department.
AWARDS/GRANTS
2020 Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Kentucky Section Distinguished Teaching Award
Kirk Award for excellence in teaching in 2019
Centre Scholar in 2011
COURSES TAUGHT
Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Introduction to Statistics, Numerical Methods, Modern Calculus I/II/III, Sports Analytics