CUBE: A Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience to Bring Diversity and Awareness to the Field of Collaborative Biostatistics

Abstract

Background: The field of collaborative biostatistics plays a critical role in translating scientific discoveries into practical applications by providing sound statistical analysis, ensuring data integrity, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration in translational science and decision-making in healthcare. The role of a collaborative biostatistician is particularly important in addiction and mental health research given the use of complex study designs and statistical methodology, along with large amounts of missing data and study dropout. Despite growth in the demand for collaborative biostatisticians and the number of graduate degrees in biostatistics earned in the United States in recent years, the percentage from underrepresented minorities remains low. To increase awareness and bring diversity to the field of collaborative biostatistics, the Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience (CUBE) was developed. CUBE is built on four pillars: training in introductory biostatistics, R programming, professional development, and mentorship through a collaborative biostatistics research project focused in the areas of addiction and mental health. This paper provides an overview of the key components of the CUBE curriculum, evaluation metrics, and results from the CUBE cohort of summer 2023 (N=5).

Results: Eighty percent of participants were female students entering their fourth year of undergraduate study. From pre- to post-program, participants demonstrated increased knowledge in the overall research process, ethical and professional aspects of research, basic concepts in research, data analysis, data management, report preparation, and presenting research. With respect to future education and career plans, most participants felt more confident in planning for their graduate school education and pursuing a career in biostatistics or research.

Conclusions: Results from CUBE 2023 highlight its positive impact on participants, particularly in terms of knowledge enhancement and future aspirations. Most participants experienced significant improvements in their understanding of various aspects of the research process. The program played a pivotal role in fostering confidence, and thus positively influencing their future. These results affirm the effectiveness of the CUBE program in equipping aspiring researchers with the skills and confidence needed for successful endeavors in the fields of biostatistics, research, and translational science, with an emphasis on addiction and mental health.