CUBE: A Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience To Bring Diversity And Awareness To The Field Of...

Area of Science:

• Translational science
• Biostatistics
• Addiction and mental health research

Background:

• Collaborative biostatistics is crucial for translating scientific discoveries into healthcare applications.
• The field faces challenges in addiction and mental health research due to complex designs and missing data.
• There is a need to increase diversity in biostatistics, especially from underrepresented minorities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience (CUBE) program.
• To address the low representation of underrepresented minorities in collaborative biostatistics.
• To foster interest and skills in biostatistics for addiction and mental health research.

Main Methods:

• The CUBE program includes training in introductory biostatistics and R programming.
• Professional development and mentorship are provided through collaborative research projects.
• Focus areas include addiction and mental health research.

Main Results:

• Participants (N=5) showed increased knowledge in research processes, data analysis, and management.
• Eighty percent of participants were female undergraduates in their fourth year.
• Confidence in graduate school planning and pursuing biostatistics careers significantly improved.

Conclusions:

• The CUBE program positively impacted participants' knowledge and future career aspirations.
• Significant improvements were observed in understanding various research aspects.
• The program effectively equipped students with skills and confidence for biostatistics and research careers.