Class of 2010	Class of 2011

 SIBS is a six-week residential summer training program in collaborative biostatistics for quantitatively-oriented undergraduate students and baccalaureate graduates who are interested in the health sciences.  The eight SIBS programs nationally are funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Center for Research Resources for the purpose of attracting prospective students to the field of biostatistics.

The SIBS Pittsburgh program highlights the collaborative nature of biostatistics within the context of multidisciplinary research studies in cardiovascular health and minority populations.  Through concrete examples, we hope to demonstrate that biostatistics is an interesting and valuable component of biomedical research, and provide experiences that enable students to see themselves doing such work.

The aims of SIBS Pittsburgh are to:

• Introduce trainees to basic biostatistical methods in the context of compelling scientific questions and real data
• Teach trainees the analytic and computer skills necessary to address these questions themselves
• Actively involve trainees in collaborative research projects
• Educate trainees about the role of biostatistical thinking in collaborative research
• Introduce trainees to educational and employment opportunities in the field of biostatistics

SIBS Pittsburgh will be recruiting 20 trainees for the summer of 2012.  Applications for 2012 will be reviewed on a rolling basis between December 1, 2011 and March 2, 2012.

SIBS Pittsburgh offers:

• All expense paid participation in the program
• Travel to/from the University of Pittsburgh
• On-campus housing (air-conditioned double-room in Pennsylvania Hall)
• Food allowance: $24.00/day applied to student ID card that may be used on campus or at many restaurants/grocery stores near the university(http://www.pc.pitt.edu/card/merchantlist.html)
• Tuition for four college credits

• The benefits of a Pitt ID
• Access to university computing and library facilities
• Free use of university fitness facilities
• Free public transportation on local buses
• Reduced prices at museums, art galleries and restaurants (http://www.pittarts.pitt.edu/)
• Reduced prices for software (http://technology.pitt.edu/software/for-students-software.html)

• Training with biostatisticians and clinicians from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (see Faculty).  These institutions have a long history of excellent medical and public health research and interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Opportunities to participate in this collaborative research process by analyzing data from major NHLBI-funded cardiovascular trials, studies of pneumonia, dental caries, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hepatitis C (see Collaborative Studies).

• Introductory coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and statistical genetics.  Students will formulate statistical models to address fairly complex biomedical questions.  Analytic, computation, and communication skills will be emphasized.

• Field trips, guest lectures, panel discussions, interactions with graduate students and researchers, and professional development activities.

Eligible candidates are:

• Undergraduates (including college seniors graduating in spring 2012) and recent graduates majoring in a variety of fields, including (but not limited to) mathematics, statistics, computer science, biology, psychology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

For questions: please e-mail sibs@pitt.edu  or call Dr. John Wilson (412-624-3110)