About USF Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Pediatric Epidemiology Center
USF Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Pediatric Epidemiology Center: Improving Child Health through Research
USF Health is a unique partnership between the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, and the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida. This partnership is dedicated to improving health in all aspects - from environmental factors to individual health. One important aspect of this mission is research, which is where the USF Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Pediatric Epidemiology Center comes in.
The USF Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Pediatric Epidemiology Center (PEc) was established in 2005 with a focus on improving child health through research. The center's mission is to conduct high-quality epidemiologic research that will lead to improved prevention strategies, treatments, and outcomes for children.
The PEc has a team of experienced researchers who are experts in their respective fields. They work collaboratively on various projects related to pediatric epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, genetics/genomics, clinical trials methodology/management/analysis/reporting as well as data management/analysis/reporting.
One area where PEc has made significant contributions is autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. The center has been involved in several large-scale studies aimed at identifying risk factors for ASD and developing effective interventions for affected children. For example, one study conducted by PEc found that maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase the risk for ASD in offspring.
Another area where PEc has made significant contributions is childhood obesity research. The center has been involved in several studies aimed at identifying risk factors for childhood obesity and developing effective interventions for affected children. For example, one study conducted by PEc found that early-life exposure to antibiotics may increase the risk for childhood obesity.
In addition to conducting its own research projects, PEc also collaborates with other institutions on various pediatric epidemiology projects such as multicenter clinical trials or observational studies funded by NIH or CDC grants.
PEc also provides training opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers related to pediatric epidemiology or biostatistics/bioinformatics through internships or fellowships programs offered by USF Health colleges or external funding sources such as NIH T32 training grants.
Overall, USF Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Pediatric Epidemiology Center plays an important role not only within USF Health but also nationally/internationally regarding advancing knowledge about child health issues through rigorous scientific investigation using state-of-the-art methods/tools/approaches while providing training opportunities for future generations' scientists who will continue this critical work towards better understanding how we can improve child health outcomes globally while reducing disparities among different populations/groups based on race/ethnicity/gender/socioeconomic status/etc..