# Training in Environmental Health Biostatistics

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2021 · $169,351

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The program objective is to train predoctoral and postdoctoral biostatisticians in statistical theory and methods
and collaboration as applied to environmental health sciences (EHS). The grant is administered through the
Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (DBCB), in collaboration with the Departments of
Environmental Medicine and Public Health Sciences. The eleven trainers are faculty in these departments,
seven of whom are from DBCB. Training: The DBCB offers a PhD degree in Statistics, with a Bioinformatics
and Computational Biology option, providing rigorous and state-of-the art statistical training. All pre- and
postdoctoral trainees work on applied EHS projects under joint mentorship of a DBCB and an EHS trainer.
These projects include the Seychelles Child Development Study, which examines neurodevelopmental effects
of prenatal exposure to mercury and nutrients from fish consumption, and studies of the reproductive effects of
phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances, bisphenol A, and maternal stress. Involvement in these studies
provides trainees with both statistical and EHS training, gives experience in reproducible research and
communication, and often motivates trainees' methodologic research. Further EHS training is obtained
through courses in epidemiology and toxicology, as well as lab tours and seminars customized to the trainees.
Postdoctoral trainees enroll in DBCB and EHS courses appropriate to their experience and interest, work on
EHS projects, and participate in all T32-related activities. All trainees present their work at local and national
conferences. Program oversight is provided via monthly meetings of the T32 Executive Committee and annual
evaluations by the External Advisory Board, and makes use of trainee evaluations to improve the program.
Trainee selection: Emphasis is placed on recruiting trainees from diverse backgrounds and increasing
representation of under-represented groups in the biostatistics profession. Successful applicants to the
Statistics PhD program in DBCB will have completed a baccalaureate degree with a major in mathematics or
statistics, or in science with a strong minor in mathematics or statistics. Predoctoral trainees for this training
program are selected from among the Statistics PhD students, generally begin T32 support after two years of
in the PhD program, and are appointed for up to four years. Postdoctoral trainees must have completed a PhD
in statistics, mathematics, epidemiology or a related discipline, or have basic science training with strong
quantitative skills, and are supported for up to three years. The program supports three predoctoral and one
postdoctoral trainee.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10178019
- **Project number:** 5T32ES007271-27
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Sally W Thurston
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $169,351
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1992-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10178019

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10178019, Training in Environmental Health Biostatistics (5T32ES007271-27). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10178019. Licensed CC0.

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