Biostatistics & Computational Biology

Mission

To provide Cancer Center members with a centralized resource for biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, clinical trial support, and expertise in quantitative science to ensure scientific rigor in cancer research.

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The University of Florida Health Cancer Center Biostatistics & Computational Biology Shared Resource (BCB-SR) provides biostatistical leadership and analytic collaborative support to members of the Cancer Center.

Through this support, the BCB-SR plays a critical role in clinical trials; population-based studies, including epidemiologic, health outcomes/behavior and health disparities research in our catchment area; molecular biology studies, including genome sequencing for translational research and experimental therapeutic studies; and laboratory-based research. 

The BCB-SR is directed by Ji-Hyun Lee, DrPH, with support from Unit Leaders Xiangyang “George” Lou, Ph.D. (Biostatistics); Tuo Lin, Ph.D. (Clinical Trials); Jason Orr Brant, Ph.D. (Bioinformatics); and Li Chen, Ph.D. and Qianqian Song, Ph.D. (Computational Biology).


Shared Resource Aims

  • Provide collaborative biostatistical, bioinformatics, and computational biology support to Cancer Center members in research study design, data analysis, grant proposals, and manuscript preparation.
  • Enhance transdisciplinary, inter-programmatic research and collaborative team science.
  • Support UF Health Cancer Center clinical trials, including participation in research study design and protocol review by the SRMC and the DISC, thereby ensuring high-quality science, data integrity, and patient safety.
  • Educate Cancer Center faculty, staff, and trainees in current “best practices” in biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and AI to ensure rigor and reproducibility. Assist Cancer Center members in developing rigorous protocols to comply with upcoming NIH guidelines for research data sharing.

Services

The BCB-SR is a consultative and collaborative SR managed by the UFHCC with no charge for initial consultation for proposal development. Services include:

Biostatistics Support

  • Study design, endpoint selection, and sample size justification/power analysis.
  • Data management, database development, procedures for monitoring data quality, and data analysis.
  • Use of R Markdown/GitHub and SAS macros developed by the BCB-SR to increase the reproducibility and integrity of routine statistical analysis and reports.
  • Assistance in grant preparation, manuscript writing, and report generation as required for special studies, such as clinical trial summaries or data and safety monitoring board reviews.
  • Development of novel statistical methods, tools, or computer programs if currently available approaches are insufficient.
  • Real-time data surveillance for trials, using R shiny apps.
  • Seminars, walk-in clinic, and short courses for members.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Support

  • Analysis and annotation of high-throughput genomic assays including RNA-Seq, DNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, CUT&RUN, ATAC-Seq, single-cell RNA/DNA sequencing, and data from proteomics and cytometry.
  • Assistance in the development of bioinformatic components of grant proposals, protocols, and manuscripts.
  • Development of analysis tools and pipelines for high-performance computing environments.
  • Application of AI/machine/deep learning methods to multi-source high-dimensional data.
  • Development of novel prediction models using -omics data platforms.
  • Access to short courses for members, staff, and trainees.

Recommended Percent Efforts for Biostatistics/Bioinformatics Personals in Grant Proposals

Support Request Form

To request support from the Biostatistics & Computational Biology Shared Resource (BCB-SR), please complete and submit this form. Your request will be reviewed promptly and we will schedule an initial meeting to discuss your project, including outlining how and when the resource can assist you.


Leadership


Director

Ji-Hyun Lee
Department: PHHP-COM BIOSTATISTICS

Ji-Hyun Lee

Professor & Associate Director For Cancer Quantitative Sciences
Phone: (352) 273-9079

Unit Leaders

Jason O Brant
Department: PHHP-COM BIOSTATISTICS

Jason O Brant

Assistant Professor
Phone: (352) 273-9110
Li Chen
Department: PHHP-COM BIOSTATISTICS

Li Chen

Associate Professor
Phone: (352) 294-5909
Xiangyang Lou
Department: PHHP-COM BIOSTATISTICS

Xiangyang Lou Ph.D.

Research Professor
Phone: (352) 294-5933
Tuo Lin
Department: PHHP-COM BIOSTATISTICS

Tuo Lin

Research Assistant Professor
Phone: (352) 273-7557
Qianqian Song
Department: MD-HOBI-GENERAL

Qianqian Song

Assistant Professor & Director Of Translational Bioinformatics

Administrative Assistant

Ken Thompson, Jr
Department: HA-UFHCC ADMIN SUPPORT

Ken Thompson, Jr JD

Administrative Specialist II
Phone: (352) 273-8822

Location

Cancer and Genetics Research Complex
2033 Mowry Road
Suite 145
Gainesville, FL 32610


Useful Resources

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