Training Program in Environmental Health Biostatistics

Predoctoral Training

The predoctoral training program:

• Uses Biostatistics courses for the core curriculum
• Provides additional course work in environmental epidemiology and toxicology to introduce trainees to EHS research
• Provides trainees with experience in statistical issues in EHS
• Promotes doctoral-level research in statistical theory and methodology related to environmental health studies
• Recruits trainees from diverse backgrounds into environmental health biostatistics.

I've had hands-on experience with real data processing using established pipelines in the field. The experience...translated directly to my PhD research." _{– T32 trainee}

Each trainee works on one or more research projects in EHS. Initially this consists of more routine data analysis done under the direction of a biostatistician as primary preceptor and an EHS researcher as cosponsoring preceptor. This activity provides valuable experience and potentially assists the student in selecting a dissertation topic.

More advanced trainees work on more difficult projects and will be asked to present their research at national meetings using travel funds partially provided by this grant.
 

Postdoctoral Training

There is one aspect of my training under the T32 that proved to pay repeated and enormous dividends to me throughout my professional career...That aspect is the training in how to participate as a statistician and quantitative scientist in multidisciplinary team science.” _{– Former trainee}

The goal of the postdoctoral program is to give training in EHS biostatistical collaboration and grounding in modern EHS biostatistics. Postdocs with a PhD in statistics or a related field will pursue both statistical research and collaborative work. Postdocs with a PhD in a biological science and sufficient applied statistics background will gain a grounding in statistical theory and further collaborative training. Each trainee works on EHS research projects, co-mentored by a T32 trainer from Biostatistics and an EHS researcher. Coursework is arranged based on trainee interests and background.

All postdocs and interested predocs are encouraged to audit courses on grantsmanship and/or participate in grant workshops, such as the 2-day Virtual NIH Grants Conference. They may also participate in meetings that discuss grant proposals. Postdocs are strongly encouraged to submit proposals for grant funding.