Laura Cartwright, Ph.D.
Director, Research
Laura Cartwright joined UNOS in 2018 as a manager leading a multidisciplinary research team. In that role, she supported development and launch of the predictive analytics tool to enhance decision-making in kidney transplant donor organ offers.
Cartwright was appointed Director of Research in 2023 and leads a multidisciplinary department of more than 30 experts spanning biostatistics, epidemiology, data science, behavioral science, and public health research. The team provides critical data and research support to the OPTN system. Under Cartwright’s leadership, the department advances AI-enabled analytics and applied research, collaborates on prestigious and innovative grant funded work, and delivers high-impact technical and research support to partners in academia, the pharmaceutical sector and the medical device industry.
Prior to joining UNOS, Cartwright held research positions at the McGuire Research Institutes and Virginia Commonwealth University. Cartwright earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Virginia and an MPH and a Ph.D. in behavioral science from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.