The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Core (EBRC) supports Baystate faculty, fellows and residents in clinical research and research education.
We have 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
We collaborate with clinical investigators by:
- Developing study designs and research protocols, including:
• Randomization schemes
• Power analysis and sample size computations
• Relevant written sections of grants, manuscripts, and presentations
- Assisting in developing survey instruments
- Creating databases and data entry schemes in RedCap (Research Electronic Data Capture)
- 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
We help advance the research skills of faculty, fellows, and residents by:
- Mentoring individuals in practical statistics, database design and management and study design as part of the research process
- Mentoring college students interested in the health field and research through Baystate’s Undergraduate Programs
- Conducting group seminars on study design, approaches to and interpretations of data analyses and research studies
- Providing support for reviewing research articles and applying evidenced-based practice methods to article critiques
EBRC Team
Paul Visintainer PhD, Director
Alex Knee MS, Biostatistician
Vida Rastegar MPH, Biostatistician
Donna Wilson MS, Biostatistician
Pete St. Marie, Data Scientist