September 2, 2025 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
Peter Olejua already has a decade of experience using advanced mathematics to address real-world problems. His work began with analyzing risk profiles of credit card applicants and loan borrowers and soon progressed to assessing indicators for money laundering and terrorism financing.
After several years of honing his expertise, Olejua pivoted to the health sector, earning a master’s in biostatistics and gaining professional experience at a university hospital. Now the Ph.D. in Biostatistics candidate has a new goal: evaluating emerging medical technologies to ensure their efficacy, safety and impact on patient outcomes.
“My degree will be instrumental in achieving these goals as it provides me with a strong foundation in biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health principles, equipping me to design robust studies, analyze complex data, and interpret findings in a way that directly translates to improving health through innovative devices,” Olejua says. “The rigorous training in statistical methodologies, coupled with an understanding of regulatory landscapes and public health needs, will enable me to contribute significantly to the development and deployment of life-changing medical technologies.”
The son of Venezuelan and Colombian parents, Olejua grew up immersed in a rich cultural environment full of diverse traditions and landscapes. He believes this dual background has shaped his ability to understand and appreciate different cultural nuances, giving him a unique perspective that will enhance his contributions to public health. This approach to life has also led him to embrace new experiences, such as his passion for Kizomba and Semba from Angola – vibrant dance styles that allow him to connect with culture, music and community – and moving to new places like Columbia.
“I have loved living in Columbia, especially my time near the Riverfront Park, which offers a wonderful blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, providing a serene escape right in the heart of the city,” Olejua says. “I have truly enjoyed the genuine Southern hospitality; the warmth and friendliness of the people made me feel welcome and at home from day one.”
During his program, Olejua further built his expertise as a graduate research assistant in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He found a particular passion for functional data analysis for its public health relevance by revealing long-term trends for applications such as disease progression, environmental exposures, and physiological responses. Coupled with his use of variational Bayesian methods, which offer efficiency and scalability in handling complex statistical models, Olejua is confident he can develop sophisticated statistical tools to extract deeper insights from complex public health data.
Olejua credits biostatistics professor Alexander McLain with helping him make the most of his program, calling him a constant source of inspiration.
“What I admire most about Dr. McLain is his remarkable ability to adapt to anyone at their level in order to help them complete their research,” Olejua says. “He possesses a unique talent for breaking down complex concepts, providing guidance that is tailored to individual needs, and fostering an environment where curiosity and intellectual growth thrive. His unwavering support and insightful feedback have profoundly influenced my development as a researcher, pushing me to think critically and pursue my interests with confidence.”
