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Data Sciences and Methods Core

The Data Science and Methods Core (DSMC) provides a central resource to facilitate organized, synergistic, and centralized approaches to statistics and qualitative methods in HIV research for the UW/Fred Hutch CFAR members.

In addition to standard statistical support, the DSMC provides advanced statistical methods and expertise in the design, conduct and analysis of clinical research and laboratory studies to CFAR investigators. This includes the development of novel methods when standard approaches are not adequate or optimal. In addition to collaborating on specific projects with basic, clinical, and scientific researchers, the Core offers training and education in quantitative methods for all CFAR investigators and also provides a multidisciplinary forum for discussion of ideas, trends, and problem-solving tips related to advanced quantitative methods.

Newly added, the DSMC also provides expertise in qualitative methods, bringing both qualitative and quantitative expertise together in one cohesive group. The DSMC aims to provide leadership, mentorship and assistance in the use of qualitative methods, especially within the fields of behavioral and implementation science, to build capacity to evaluate context and incorporate personal experiences within HIV research.

Any CFAR investigator can consult with Core biostatisticians or qualitative research experts for assistance with study planning and design for grant applications (eg, sample size and power calculations, development of analytical plans), study implementation (eg, data collection, data management, data analysis), or research communication (eg, drafting of abstracts, posters, or articles). We have found that it is most useful to collaborate with investigators as early as possible during a project, for example even before study aims are finalized. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a Consultation Request, which will be used to help coordinate biostatistical, other quantitative support, or qualitative support for grant applications, manuscripts, abstracts, and meeting presentations.

Quantitative (Biostatistics/Biomathematics) Methods Consultation

It is best to collaborate with investigators as early as possible during a project, for example even before study aims are finalized. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a Request For Consultation, which will be used to help coordinate biostatistical and other quantitative support for grant applications, manuscripts, abstracts, and meeting presentations.

When submitted, this form will be sent to the DSMC Director (Elizabeth Brown, erbrown at fredhutch.org) and Core Manager (Ken Tapia, ktapia at uw.edu). We typically review requests at our Tuesday Core staff meetings and will respond after those discussions.

Request For Consultation

Elizabeth Brown, ScD
CFAR Data Sciences and Methods Core Director
E-mail: erbrown at fredhutch.org

You are also welcome to sign up and attend our virtual office hours. These 45-minute sessions are available weekly:

  • Tuesdays, 10:00am-10:45am PT
  • Wednesdays, 2:00pm-2:45pm PT
  • Thursdays, 2:00pm-2:45pm PT

Sign up is required at least 1 day prior to each session at:

Sign Up For Office Hours

Qualitative Methods Consultation

Please complete this Consultation Request to receive assistance with qualitative research methods for your grant, funded research study, or student project. When submitted, this form will be sent to the Data Sciences and Methods Core Associate Director (Kristin Beima-Sofie, beimak at uw.edu). We typically review requests and respond within one week.

Request For Consultation

Biostatistics Analysis and Data Management Training
The training and mentoring of CFAR investigators, especially those early in their careers, is an important goal of the CFAR Biometrics Core. Through partnerships with other UW/Fred Hutch CFAR groups, we not only provide services directly but also build capacity so that study team personnel can take on many future tasks independently.
Qualitative Training

Qualitative Workshop Series:

Annually, the DSMC offers a 3-part training series on qualitative research methods including: 1) grant writing, 2) data collection, and 3) data analysis. In addition, the Core hosts additional trainings and webinars to highlight novel or specialized topics in qualitative research methods.

Workshops are open to all CFAR-affiliated investigators and their trainees with the goal of helping to develop capacity for CFAR investigators and trainees to conduct qualitative and mixed methods research.

Qualitative Works in Progress (QWIP):

Dr. Beima-Sofie currently directs QWIP, a qualitative mentorship group of early stage researchers interested in qualitative research that come together to collaboratively learn and share knowledge about the practical aspects of conducting qualitative research. The group provides interactive individual and group mentoring in data collection, data analysis, and data presentation, and meets both in person and virtually to allow both local and global participation.

The Data Sciences and Methods Core is collaborating on a range of research projects involving the prevention, pathogenesis, or treatment of HIV/AIDS. Examples include:

Mathematical Modeling of Viral Dynamics and/or Viral Set Point

  • Examination of dynamics of viral RNA and DNA in the female genital tract after the start of therapy, and analysis of viral load trajectories in relation to survival outcomes using functional data analytic techniques
  • Analysis of patterns of viral RNA and DNA in breast milk of HIV-1 infected mothers
  • Exploration of the viral dynamics of HIV/Hepatitis C co-infection

Investigating interactions between the human genital microbiome, syndromes, and pathogens

  • Data management and statistical analysis in support of the STI Cooperative Research Center projects and other investigator-driven research cohorts, including examination of HIV, HSV shedding, BV, and urethritis. Methods include Principal coordinates analysis, hierarchical clustering, and other methods relevant to community-level compositional data

 Development of cluster and stepped-wedge study designs

  • The core has collaborations with Dr Jim Hughes, the Implementation Science Core, and other investigators to develop innovative and cost-efficient studies implemented at the facility level

Seattle Primary Infection Project (SeaPIP) and studies of acute/early infection

  • Management of project database and statistical analysis for the Seattle Primary Infection Program. Recent  research has focused on timing in Fiebig stages (utilizing an E-M algorithm for chain of events data with interval censoring), assessing prevalence and correlates of post-ARV treatment control, and assessing  transmission of drug resistance within partner pairs

Targeted Long-acting Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (TLC-ART)

  • Analytical and database support to this multidisciplinary group developing products using nanoparticle technology, that could lead to increases in drug levels in lymph tissue and allow for less frequent administration and enhanced adherence. Areas of research include PK/PD/PB modeling, and conjoint analysis of target population preferences

 Studies of child health and development

  • Recent collaborations have explored strategies for the treatment of HIV in young children to minimize the incidence of adverse IRIS, drug toxicity, and neurocognitive delays.

Viral Sequences and Viral Reservoirs

  • Search for potential HIV-1 compartmentalization within the female genital tract, and analysis of HIV-1 genotypes from the uterus, cervix, and blood to clarify dynamics and spread of HIV-1 within the body

Identifying Predictors of Viral Genital/Rectal Shedding During Antiretroviral Treatment

  • Statistical analysis of data from phylogenetic trees, with permutation-based methods, to explore mechanisms associated with discordant shedding (and likely higher risk of transmission) of HIV-1 from the genital tract and rectum

In addition to research collaborations, the Core engages in educational and institutional activities to support multidisciplinary research within the CFAR. These include:

CFAR Award Programs
Each year, Core faculty provide statistical consultations to various CFAR award programs, including the CFAR Developmental Core New Investigator Awards (NIA) and HIV-Associated Malignancy Research Pilot Awards.

University of Washington, Biostatistics: https://www.biostat.washington.edu/

Fred Hutch: https://www.fredhutch.org/

Elizabeth Brown, ScD
Biostatistician, Core Director
erbrown at fredhutch.org

Tracy Dong, Ph.D
Biostatistician, Associate Director
qdong at fredhutch.org

Barbra Richardson, PhD
Biostatistician, Associate Director
barbrar at uw.edu

Kristin Beima-Sofie, PhD, MPH
Associate Director – Qualitative Methods
beimak at uw.edu

Sarah Holte, PhD
Biomathematician/statistician
sholte at fredhutch.org

Jodi Byers, MS
Biostatistician
jodbyers at uw.edu

Joshua Stern, MS
Biostatistician
jstern77 at uw.edu

Ken Tapia, MS
Biostatistician, Core Manager
ktapia at uw.edu

Core Steering Committee: Ann Collier, MD; Robert Coombs, PhD; Thomas Fleming, PhD; Jim Hughes, PhD; Lisa Manhart, MPH, PhD; Scott McClelland, MPH, MD; Jennifer Slyker, PhD

We have found that it is most useful to collaborate with investigators as early as possible during a project, for example even before study aims are finalized. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a Request For Consultation, which will be used to help coordinate biostatistical and other quantitative support for manuscripts, abstracts, and meeting presentations. When submitted, this form will be sent to the Core Director (Elizabeth Brown, erbrown at fredhutch.org) and Core Manager (Ken Tapia, ktapia at uw.edu).

Request For Consultation

Elizabeth Brown, ScD
CFAR Data Sciences and Methods Core Director
E-mail: erbrown at fredhutch.org