Research Services and Facilities

The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Core (EBRC) supports Baystate faculty, fellows and residents in clinical research and research education.

The EBRC has a team of epidemiologists, statisticians, and a data scientist with Masters or PhD-level training who have broad expertise in research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing. They have a total of more than 70 years’ experience in clinical research, have published several hundred articles in major scientific journals, and handle more than 200 projects a year.

Research Support

The EBRC collaborates with clinical investigators by:

1. Developing study designs and research protocols, including:
   • Randomization schemes
   • Power analysis and sample size computations
   • Relevant written sections of grants, manuscripts, and presentations
2. Assisting in developing survey instruments
3. Creating databases and data entry schemes in RedCap (Research Electronic Data Capture)  
4. Conducting data analyses, including:
   • Linear regression and ANOVA
   • Logistic regression (unconditional, conditional, multinomial, and ordered)
   • Time-to-event analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, analysis of complex survey designs.
   • Meta-analysis
   • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis

Research Skills Education

The EBRC helps advance the research skills of faculty, fellows, and residents by:

1. Mentoring individuals in practical statistics, database design and management and study design as part of the research process
2. Mentoring college students interested in the health field and research through Baystate’s  Undergraduate Programs
3. Conducting group seminars on study design, approaches to and interpretations of data analyses and research studies
4. Providing support for reviewing research articles and applying evidenced-based practice methods to article critiques

For More Information

Contact the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Core at: biostatistics@baystatehealth

EBRC Team

Paul Visintainer PhD, Director
Alex Knee MS, Biostatistician
Vida Rastegar MPH, Biostatistician
Donna Wilson MS, Biostatistician
Pete St. Marie, Data Scientist

Baystate Education Research and Scholarship of Teaching (BERST) Academy promotes excellence in health professions education by facilitating scholarship and research across all health professions. BERST provides support and collaboration for clinician educators by consulting on the conceptualization and implementation of scholarship and research, from design to writing to dissemination.

The Baystate Research Facility (BRF) is a 25,000 square foot facility that includes ample bench space for basic science research, tissue culture, surgical and procedural rooms, BSL-2 room, histology suite, microscopy suite and additional specialty lab space.  In addition to research space the BRF has private offices, an open community area, three conference rooms and a reception area.

The BRF core team includes individuals trained in laboratory safety, skilled veterinary care, regulatory issues, as well as individuals performing general administrative functions.

Types of research being conducted at the BRF include cancer, diabetes, surgical techniques and training, and device/instrument development. 

Local Oversight

• The Institutional Review Board oversees and evaluates all research involving humans
• The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees and evaluates all animal care and use and is also responsible for initial and continuing review and approval or all animal use protocols. The IACUC assures USDA and OLAW regulations and national standards are met.
• The Institutional Biosafety Committee reviews registrations for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, Pathogens, potential Infectious Agents, Biological Toxins, and Human Clinical Trials that involve the use of these materials as mandated by the National Institutes of Health.

Accreditation, Regulation and Membership

• Licensed and registered with the United states Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
• Assurance on file with the Public Health Service Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) 
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
• Massachusetts Society for Medical Research (MSMR)

For More Information

The Baystate Health Sciences Library offers quality information resources and knowledge services to assist researchers, providing efficient access to thousands of digital and print knowledge resources, major databases and clinical information tools.

Library professionals help provide accurate and timely evidence-based information at the point-of-care or at other convenient locations - and we offer remote access to our electronic resources. We also have scanners, copiers, and collaborative work space.