Cores
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(615) 343-8776
tn-cfar@vumc.org
About the Tennessee CFAR DSC
The Data Sciences Core (DSC) helps Tennessee CFAR investigators strengthen HIV research through study design, data management, statistical analysis, and biomedical informatics support. The Core provides expertise and hands-on guidance to help researchers collect, manage, and analyze data effectively.
Through its Data Science Clinics and collaborative partnerships, the DSC supports investigators across Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Meharry Medical College, the Tennessee Department of Health, and Nashville CARES. The Core also develops data tools, analytical methods, and training opportunities that improve research quality and strengthen collaboration. By expanding access to data science expertise, the DSC helps advance HIV research through three specific aims.
Specific Aims of the DSC
Provide biostatistics, bioinformatics, and research informatics support for the CFAR
We will offer our weekly, on-site, walk-in, HIV-focused biostatistics and research informatics clinics rotating among VUMC, MMC, and TDH, while newly adding bioinformatics clinics at VUMC and biostatistics/research informatics clinics at community partner, Nashville CARES. We will continue to collaborate in pre-submission with all DC Award applicants and provide guaranteed post-award support for DC awardees.
Develop databases, tools, and methods to advance HIV research in the CFAR and beyond
Specific initiatives focused on methods and tools development include development of informatics tools to improve data resources, management, and sharing across institutions; forms and database creation, statistical methods to permit more efficient use of HIV datasets; and bioinformatics pipelines to streamline analyses.
Provide data science training to CFAR investigators
We will provide training for investigators during our walk-in clinics (linked to Aim 1), one-on-one collaborations, and other settings; participate in CFAR Works-in-Progress sessions, HIV journal clubs, and Scientific Working Group (SWG) meetings; and organize three CFAR biostatistics/research informatics/bioinformatics seminars per year focused on bringing outside data scientists to the CFAR, to speak on tools and methods development necessary to advance HIV research.
Services Offered
- Weekly walk-in data science clinics (For more information, click here)
- Statistical and biomedical informatics support
- Development of databases, tools and methods to advance HIV research
- Training in biostatistics and biomedical informatics
For service request or inquiries, please contact tn-cfar@vumc.org
DSC Leadership
Stephany N. Duda, PHD
Core Director | View Profile Here
Bryan Shepherd, PhD
Co-Director | View Profile Here
Peter Rebeiro, PHD
Co-Director | View Profile Here
Mohammad Tabatabai, PhD
Lead Biostatistician | View Profile Here