Coursework will focus on big data, translational research, and statistical models used in the analysis of biomedical studies. The program will further serve as a fundamental building block for students to understand the importance of biostatistics and its synergistic place in the biomedical sciences. Information on opportunities such as scholarships, training grant programs and assistantships in Biostatistics and Public Health will be presented to scholars. Scholars will be encouraged to apply to continue their graduate studies in biostatistics, statistics and/or data sciences and contribute toward the remedial of the current nationwide shortage of biostatisticians.

Scholars will be matched in groups of 2-3 scholars with a Biostatistics faculty mentor and a Basic Science faculty mentor for their selected research project. The projects are designed to provide the opportunity to engage in medical science research through biostatistics. After a supervised research period, trainees will present their accomplished projects to faculty and students at our concluding symposium.

Datasets of enormous complexity and size are being generated in the diverse areas of electronic health records, genomics, environmental monitoring, and social media. The insights that can and will be made from these data sources will inform the prevention and treatment of human diseases and play a major role in biology, medicine, and public health in the coming decade. More training is needed to prepare the next generation of scholars to address these challenges.

The Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science has been designed to introduce undergraduate students to the growing number of approaches to biostatistics and data science:

• Students gain a comprehensive overview of the field of biostatistics and data science by working on mentored research projects.
• Participants will have the opportunity to take part in professional preparation activities.
• At the conclusion of the summer institute, each research project group presents their findings and learns about other student projects at a concluding research symposium.

Topics covered in the SIBDS Program:

• Experimental Design
• Data Management
• Hypothesis Testing/Inference
• Linear Regression
• Logistic Regression
• Survival Analysis
• Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Programming in R

There are no fees or tuition costs associated with participation in the SIBDS. Transportation, meal allowance and lodging are provided by the SIBDS.

Scholars in the SIBDS program will be housed in the recently constructed dorms at Galveston College. SIBDS students will be housed in double rooms (each room includes two twin beds) with private bathrooms and a shared common space which includes a full kitchen and living area. Students will receive a food stipend and the rooms include basic cooking appliances.

Housing is located in the middle of Galveston island, and students will commute by a college bus to the UTMB Campus.

Scholars will have full access to UTMB computing systems, library, and other academic facilities.

For any questions about the SIBDS program or application process, please contact Heidi Spratt.