Methods Core

The Methods Core provides expertise in research design, statistical analysis, qualitative and mixed-method research, and data management. This core is creating a data repository and unified data architecture to optimize users’ ability to access formative data as well as engage in resource sharing. It supports the Mental Health Disparities Core by managing the technical aspects of and access to the two consent-to-contact databases as well as the Shared Instrument Library.

This core is led by Daniel Feaster, PhD (Core Director), Raymond Balise, PhD, and Joseph De Santis, PhD (Core Co-Directors).

 Admin Core Flyer

Core Leadership

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  • Daniel Feaster, Ph.D.

    Methods Core Director, Center Co-Director, CHANGE MPI

    Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences

    He/Him

    Email : dfeaster@miami.edu 

    Phone : (305) 243-7881

    Expertise: Interdepartmental-Biobehavioral Statistics- experience in design, implementation, and analysis of substance abuse and HIV-related studies 

  • Raymond Balise, Ph.D.

    Methods Core Co-Director

    Research Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences

    He/Him

    Email : rrb28@miami.edu 

    Phone : (305) 243-9694

    Expertise: Biostatistics and informatics, generalist (cancer, HIV, etc) 

  • Joseph De Santis, Ph.D.

    Methods Core Co-Director

    Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Health Studies

    He/Him

    Email : jdesantis@miami.edu 

    Phone : (305) 284-5039

    Expertise: Qualitative research; Mental health factors that impact HIV risk and that influence engagement in HIV care and treatment among vulnerable populations

  • Renae Danielle Schmidt, MPH

    Sr. Research Associate 3, Department of Public Health Sciences

    She/Her

    Email: rds174@miami.edu 

  • Sophia T. Gonzalez, MSPH

    Sr. Research Associate 1, Department of Public Health Sciences

    She/Her

    Email: stg46@miami.edu 

Core-Related Activities, Resources and Links

  • Methods Core Seminars, including "CHARM Tech Talks"
  • CHARM Research Navigation Portal 
  • REDCap Shared Library: https://projectredcap.org/resources/library/
    • The REDCap Shared Library is a repository for REDCap data collection instruments and forms that can be downloaded and used by researchers at REDCap partner institutions.
  • NIH CDE Repository: https://cde.nlm.nih.gov/home
    • Common Data Elements (CDEs) are data elements (or variables) that are defined and used the same way across multiple studies, to standardize the way data is collected. The NIH CDE Repository can help you identify CDEs for your data management plan and your research.
  • CHARM Measures Library 

Recently Completed Activities

In 2023, the Methods Core launched the CHARM “Tech Talks” Series, hosting two presenters:

  • “Technology Partnerships in Academic Research: What They Look Like and Why They’re Important” Presenter: Rana Saber, MS, MSL (Northwestern University)
  • “e-Health and A.I.: Ethical Issues and Considerations” Presenter: Scott McIntosh, PhD (University of Rochester). To access a recording of this presentation, click here.

Stay tuned for upcoming CHARM Tech Talks!

The Methods Core also recently launched the new and improved Research Navigation Portal. To see a recording of our launch event which includes a tutorial of the portal, click here. 

Click here to see all CHARM’s recent events, including several Methods Core events.

Additional Core Significant Contributors
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  • Lunthita Duthely, PhD

    Lunthita Duthely, PhD - Assistant Professor, OBGYN, & Public Health
    Email: lduthely@miami.edu 

    Expertise: Women's health, e-health, m-health, equity and health outcomes

  • Michal Toborek, MD, PhD

    Michal Toborek, MD, PhD - Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    Email: mtoborek@miami.edu 

    Expertise: Molecular Neuroscience and Vascular Biology

  • Maria Llabre, PhD

    Maria Llabre, PhD - Professor, Department of Psychology
    Email: mllabre@miami.edu 

    Expertise: SEM, psychometrics, measurement of change, minority health

  • Sierra Bainter, PhD

    Sierra Bainter, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
    Email: sbainter@miami.edu 

    Expertise: Psychometrics, Bayesian methods, reciprocal influence, causal models

  • Kathryn McCollister, PhD

    Kathryn McCollister, PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: KMcColli@med.miami.edu 

    Expertise: Cost effectiveness, cost-benefit

  • Yue Pan, PhD

    Yue Pan, PhD - Research Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: panyue@med.miami.edu 

    Expertise: Bayesian and Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Clinical epidemiology, applied biostatistics analysis for chronic diseases

  • Tyler Bartholomew, PhD

    Tyler Bartholomew, PhD - Research Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: tsb61@miami.edu 

    Expertise: Harm Reduction, Infectious Diseases, Health Policy and cost-effectiveness

  • Mindy Nelson, PhD

    Mindy Nelson, PhD - Lead Research Analyst, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: m.nelson4@med.miami.edu 

    Expertise: Clinical trials experience in large HIV-focused trials within the NIDA Clinical Trials Network

  • Sara St. George, PhD

    Sara St. George, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: s.stgeorge@med.miami.edu 

    Expertise: Obesity, Chronic Disease, e-health, Qualitative Methods

  • Daniel H.A. Maya, B.S.

    Daniel H.A. Maya, B.S. - Lead Research Analyst, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: dxh724@miami.edu 

    Expertise: Data collection and management, Project development and monitoring

  • Kyle Grealis, MS

    Kyle Grealis, MS - Lead Research Analyst, Department of Public Health Sciences
    Email: kxg679@med.miami.edu 

    Expertise: Obesity, Chronic Disease, e-health, Qualitative Methods