Expertise
- Research and Study Design – the IEFS team is experienced in the development of sound scientific approaches to investigate biomedical problems, including geographical, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies as well as randomized clinical and intervention trials
- Conduct and Manage Epidemiologic Studies – IESF staff are skilled in the use of state-of-the-science standardized techniques and quality control procedures to ensure the collection of valid and unbiased study information and manage study data
- Data Analysis, Evaluation, and Interpretation – The IEFS team is experienced in performing statistical analyses of study data and evaluating and interpreting biomedical research findings to assess and resolve health issues and identify determinants of disease
Current Projects
Southern Community Cohort Study
The Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) was established in 2001 to address many unresolved questions about the root causes of cancer health disparities, with its findings expected to help prevent and reduce the burden of cancer among all populations. This prospective cohort study of approximately 85,000 adults in the southeastern United States has among the highest representation of African Americans (two-thirds) among existing U.S. cohorts and a large biorepository poised to address scientific questions about the causes of both common and rare cancers (as well as of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease). The SCCS is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
The Polypill Trial is designed to assess if a combination pill approach is feasible and associated with improved cardivascular risk factor control in a low socioeconomic status population when compared with usual care.
Personal Smoking Cessation Treatment in the SCCS
Development of personalized care interventions for smoking cessation among smokers in the SCCS.
Nashville Lung Cancer Screening Trial
The Nashville Lung Cancer Screening Trial attempts to follow a group of smokers age 55-80 for five years while providing yearly screenings for the early detection of lung cancer. Questionnaires are administered to participants and biologic samples are collected and analyzed to learn more about the participants lung health.