# Biostatistics & Data Science Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2024 · $258,086

## Abstract

Core G: Biostatistics and Data Science Core
ABSTRACT
The Biostatistics and Data Science Core (Core G) is an essential component of Penn CFAR, maximizing
statistical rigor and data quality in studies conducted by CFAR investigators and elevating junior researchers
through mentoring and methodological guidance. Core G empowers CFAR investigators to engage in
reproducible, high quality, impactful discovery. Core G provides (a) expertise in statistical design and analysis
using classic and cutting-edge methodology; (b) database development and management; (c) leadership in
advancing methodology for HIV-related research through evaluating, developing and disseminating innovative
statistical approaches; (d) education, training, and mentorship in statistical methodology; (e) partnership with the
Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) to enable high priority research relevant to implementers and
people with HIV; and (f) a central nexus for engagement of the broad epidemiology, statistics and informatics
faculty in high priority HIV/AIDS research.
Core G is led by Drs. Alisa Stephens-Shields (Director) and Mary Putt (Co-Director), and Dr. Yun Li (Core
Investigator) is Core G’s on-site representative at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Mr. Chris Helker
oversees data management activities. Core G employs a statistical analyst based part-time at Philadelphia
Department of Public Health (PDPH), creating an innovative research partnership by enabling direct access to
restricted PDPH databases, and increasing analytic capacity at the PDPH Division of HIV Health (DHH). Core
G provides statistical expertise to trainees working in the labs of CFAR investigators, provides study design,
statistical analysis and data management guidance in developing new funding applications by CFAR
investigators, and participates as project personnel when proposals are funded. Notably, Core G also provides
crucial statistical collaboration to studies with limited resources for analysis, including Developmental Core and
other studies that generate pilot data for subsequent extramural applications. The Core maintains the CFAR
Clinical Core Adult/Adolescent Database of >3000 participants and the linked specimen repository, as well as
multiple project-specific databases. Core G faculty are active mentors to CFAR trainees in basic and population
science, including several mentees in Botswana through collaboration with the International Core.
Looking ahead, Core G will provide leadership to clinical trials in HIV prevention, treatment and cure studies;
continue to engage junior researchers and enhance their statistical knowledge through the newly implemented
Help Desk tool and supporting Developmental awards; leverage our relationship with PDPH to advance Ending
the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiatives; expand involvement of biostatistics and informatics faculty in CFAR activities
through connection of CFAR investigators to faculty with specialized expertise, in areas such a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10896657
- **Project number:** 2P30AI045008-26
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Alisa Jane Stephens Shields
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $258,086
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1999-07-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10896657

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10896657, Biostatistics & Data Science Core (2P30AI045008-26). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10896657. Licensed CC0.

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