Research

Department of Biostatistics - Research Activities

Statistical Methodology Research

Biostatistics is a special branch of applied statistics that focuses on statistical application in life sciences. The unique nature of life sciences requires a set of specific quantitative tools in study design and data analysis to help address relevant scientific questions. The faculty in the Department of Biostatistics have developed innovative biostatistics methods and applications in the following areas.      

1. Bayesian Statistics
2. Causal Inference
3. Clinical Study Design
4. High-Dimensional Data and Machine Learning
5. Joint Modeling of Survival and Longitudinal Data
6. Spatial Statistics
7. Statistical Genetics, Epigenetics, and Bioinformatics
8. Statistical Education
9. Stochastic Modeling
10. Survival Data Analysis

Scientific Research in Biomedicine and Public Health

The faculty in the Department of Biostatistics conduct independent scientific research in the following subject matter areas funded by NIH and other funding organizations.

1. Huntington Disease
2. Nutritional Epidemiology
3. Substance Use

Team Science Research

One of the essential aspects of Biostatistical work is collaborative research in the spirit of team science. In addition to supporting individual investigators in study design, data analysis, and grant development, the faculty in the Department of Biostatistics have also developed a well-structured support system for team science research across the UNMC network. 

Great Plain IDeA-CTR

The Great Plain IDeA-CTR network was formed to uphold NIH’s nationwide effort to improve the health of all Americans and to provide approaches to overcoming the issues endemic to our part of the country. The network constitutes multiple regional academic and medical institutions led by University of Nebraska Medical Center to work together to transform how clinical and translational science is conducted. The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) core, as a critical component of Great Plain IDeA-CTR, under the direction of Professor Ying Zhang, PhD provides resources and expertise that are fundamental to the development of successful investigators and clinical and translational research teams. The BERD core supports study design, methodology research, data acquisition/management, and data analysis.

Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center

As part of the Nebraska Medicine Cancer Network and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center coordinates basic and clinical cancer research, patient care, and education programs, and facilitates the application of new knowledge about the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. The Department of Biostatistics houses the Biostatistics Shared Resource (BSR) of the UNMC, Fred & Pamela Buffer Cancer Center. The BSR, under the direction of Professor Lynette Smith, Phd and Professor Fang Yu, PhD, provides Cancer Center members with expertise in the design and analysis of basic science, clinical, and population-based research. 

Center for Collaboration on Research Design and Analysis

The Department of Biostatistics houses the Center for Collaboration on Research Design and Analysis (CCORDA). The CCORDA, under the direction of Professor Fang Yu, PhD, provides fee-for-service support in quantitative sciences, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Services Research, as well as seeks collaborative opportunities with investigators at UNMC campus and regional research institutions to advance clinical, basic, translational, and public health research.