Division of Quantitative Sciences
Donald A. Berry, Ph.D., Division Head
The Division of Quantitative Sciences provides an essential component of the scientific basis for research conducted at M. D. Anderson:
- Developing designs for clinical trials, laboratory experiments and observational studies
- Statistical analysis of data arising from these experiments
- Analysis of microarray data
- Database development and management
- Writing user-friendly computer programs for clinical trial conduct
- Mathematical modeling of observational processes, outcome analyses of therapy, screening and prevention interventions and cost-effectiveness analyses
These activities often evolve from collaborations between division faculty and physicians and research scientists at M. D. Anderson and other institutions. The problems arising from these collaborations provide the motivation for much of the methodological research conducted in the division. Under the guidance of Donald A. Berry, Ph.D., the division head, the Division of Quantitative Sciences has rapidly grown to become a leader in the development and use of innovative statistical designs for clinical trials, innovative statistical methodology, health services research and bioinformatics.
Two departments comprise the division: the Department of Biostatistics and the Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Statistical analysts are a vital part of the division's team approach to collaboration and statistical research projects. A team of division faculty and analysts collaborate with research physicians and scientists in a number of ways, including research methodology design, protocol design and review, data analysis, development of statistical models and education.