Improving Applied Biostatistics Skills for AI/AN Researchers

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Project Summary: Improving Applied Biostatistics Skills for AI/AN Researchers The NIH Strategic Plan for Tribal Health Research 2019-2023 outlines priority health research needs for AI/AN communities, and emphasizes the importance of developing a pipeline of well-trained AI/AN researchers to address these needs. Individuals skilled in biostatistics and/or data science are essential members of health research teams, especially given the proliferation of health-related data in recent times. However, there are few AI/AN with this type of training who are currently contributing to health sciences research. The goal of this capacity-building grant is to increase the number of tribal researchers and tribal health professionals who can apply sound biostatistical reasoning, efficiently work with data, and conduct appropriately rigorous analyses, so that they can further the research efforts in tribal health. To meet this goal, we have designed and will implement a modern quantitative training curriculum that fosters career development in AI/AN trainees who aspire to analytically-oriented roles in health sciences research. We will accomplish this via in-person intensive institutes (1 per year for 2 years), monthly distance learning sessions (monthly for 2 years), and a mentored capstone project. Throughout the curriculum, we will emphasize practical applications of biostatistics methods, as well as data handling, data visualization and contemporary data science methods. We will stress strategies for designing ethical, yet rigorous studies, developing appropriate analysis plans, and clearly communicating findings to diverse audiences. Graduates of this program will be poised to further their research-related careers which will contribute towards building a strong, coordinated community of AI/AN health researchers and expanding scientific knowledge to improve the health of AI/AN communities.