Core A: Biostatistics and Computational Biology Core

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT (CORE A, BIOSTATISTICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY CORE) The Biostatistics and Computational Biology (BCB) Core provides comprehensive professional support to ensure statistical integrity, including study design, algorithm selection and implementation, data integrity across the entire research cycle, internal and external data sharing, and data analysis/interpretation of the studies performed by the University of Michigan SPORE titled Molecularly Targeted Radiosensitization of Locally Advanced Cancers. The Core assists investigators with the proper planning of experiments and choice of technologies, assists with the information management of laboratory-based experimental and clinical data generated by SPORE projects, and conducts rigorous biostatistical and bioinformatics analyses in close collaboration with the SPORE investigators. The BCB Core includes members with diverse expertise and experience. The core leaders, Drs. Schipper and Rao, are assisted by faculty and staff analysts and programmers with the expertise needed to support the activities in the SPORE. The core will support data flow and warehousing within the SPORE as well as with entities outside of the SPORE. Both leaders are integrated into the biostatistical and bioinformatic infrastructures at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, and they can call on additional assistance as needed to support the evolving research of the SPORE. The Core has the flexibility to match personnel to the needs of existing and developmental SPORE projects.