Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design BERD Core
The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) core is built on the OUHSC Hudson College of Public Health's strengths (and partnerships) in genetic epidemiology (OMRF), bioinformatics (OMRF, OU-Tulsa) and geospatial/temporal analytics (OU-Norman) to provide unique consulting, training, and methodology development to OSCTR investigators. The BERD provides expertise, collaborative support, and training to students, trainees, faculty members, and health care professionals at all partnering institutions.
The BERD Core has been instrumental in the success of the OSCTR during the prior funding period, supporting 478 research projects, 153 grant applications, 133 peer-reviewed publications, 30 research methods seminars and workshops, and 22 MS in Clinical and Translational Science thesis projects. Our team includes 10 PhD faculty in biostatistics, epidemiology, statistical genetics, and informatics, as well as staff programmers, analysts, and graduate research assistants.
OSCTR BERD Core Prior Progress
The BERD Core has significantly expanded clinical and translational research, supporting new investigators, community partners, and programs of the OSCTR. Despite challenges such as the passing of Dr. Stoner and the COVID pandemic, the BERD Core continued to enhance research infrastructure and provide collaborative methodological support and training. Key contributions include the growth of REDCap, projects with tribal partners, and the expansion of the Sooner Survey Center. The BERD Core supported 478 research projects, 153 grant applications, 133 peer-reviewed publications, and 30 research methods seminars and workshops.
Key Contributions and Expansion
BERD Core contributions include supporting and growing REDCap for data capture and management, developing projects with tribal partners, and expanding the Sooner Survey Center. The Core has also been instrumental in supporting minority researchers through the R25 Clinical Research Education and Career Development award and enhancing survey methodologies and data collection for complex health and program evaluation surveys.
Future Initiatives
In the renewal period, the BERD Core will expand methodological training and resources to enhance the applied research skill set of CTR researchers. A new initiative, the Design and Computational Resources Unit, will provide training tools and resources in epidemiologic research design, best methodological practices, and health data analysis, supporting the research quality and productivity of OSCTR-supported investigators
Core Leadership
BERD Core Director – Jennifer Peck, PhD
Core Associate Director – Tabitha Garwe, PhD
Novel Methodologies Unit
This Unit is a central resource for investigators needing novel research designs or analysis methods. For example, OSCTR projects often involve high-dimensional data or need statistical methods to reduce bias and increase estimation efficiency in small populations (such as American Indian tribes). After identifying these needs, we perform methodological research to adapt existing methods or develop new approaches to address the original research question. In addition, we host panel discussions to stimulate the development of novel approaches more broadly.
NM Unit Leadership
Director - Sixia Chen, PhD
Design and Computational Resources Unit
A new BERD initiative! This Design and Computational Resources (DCR) Unit meets the needs expressed by OSCTR investigators for training tools and resources in epidemiologic research design, best methodological practices, and health data analysis.
This initiative will:
provide multi-media training and computational tools
across a range of introductory to advanced topics in research design and biostatistical analyses
to enhance research quality and maximize research productivity
DCR Unit Leadership
Director – Michael Anderson, PhD
Associate Director – Nasir Mushtaq, PhD
Access DCR Repository
Consultative and Collaborative Unit
This Unit provides expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and informatics through consultations and collaborations. Available services span the entire research process, including research design, data collection, management, analysis, and reporting.
This Unit can help investigators:
Formulate research questions that are well-defined, measurable, and answerable
Develop valid and efficient research designs and analysis plans
Address sources of bias
Identify sufficient sample sizes
Select measurement methods and instruments
Develop case report forms, databases, and online data capture tools
Perform data quality control
Manage and analyze data
Create data and safety monitoring plans
Report study results in accordance with established recommendations
Create publication-quality summary tables and figures
Perform systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Develop and administer phone/internet-based surveys through Sooner Survey
CC Unit Leadership
Director – Jennifer Peck, PhD