Education

PhD, Statistics

University of Kentucky

MS, Statistics

University of Kentucky

MS, Computer Science

Sofia University, Bulgaria

Dr. Svetla Slavova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics, and a faculty researcher in the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. She is currently principal investigator on grants from the US Department of Justice - Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is co-investigator on multiple projects focused on improved drug overdose surveillance, drug overdose prevention, analytical enhancements of prescription drug monitoring programs, and health outcomes associated with substance use and misuse. Dr. Slavova has been featured widely in the media for her many peer-reviewed publications highlighting statistical approaches to understanding and combating the opioid epidemic, including the recognition of fentanyl as a leading cause of overdose, as well as new research focused on the presence of the prescription drug gabapentin in overdose fatalities. In 2018, she was named the Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department for her work to secure funding for community supplies of naloxone. Also in 2018, she received the 2018 Distinguished Leader Award from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.