Data Analytics and Research Methodology (DARM) Sub-Core

The NCCU Data Analytics and Research Methodology (DARM) sub-core elevates minority health and health disparities research at NCCU by providing expertise in data science, visualization, spatial analysis, experimental design, and biostatistical modeling to guide the planning, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of the studies. The sub-core's objectives include:

• Providing statistical support for grants, including the alignment of specific aims and analyses
• Providing sample size calculations and power analysis
• Implementing geostatistical methods for inferences related to spatial data
• Creating research and training opportunities for students and faculty

The leaders of the DARM sub-core are Drs. Irene Doherty, Timothy Mulrooney, and Kimberly Weems.

The following are the core components of the DARM sub-core:

1. Statistical consultations
2. Applications of fundamental and advanced statistical methods
3. Survey development and analysis
4. Mapping, spatial analysis and geospatial data standards
5. Geostatistical methods for inferences related to spatial data
6. Metadata and metadata standards for the storage of information about spatial data

The following resources are available through the DARM sub-core:

• Research methods for population health studies (boot camp), which includes instruction on questionnaire development, review, and recommendations; data management best practices; and quality control considerations
• CRADLE (Center and Resources for Applied Data Literacy and Excellence)–Data Hub: A centralized resource repository that contains resources (raw data, papers, training, forums, editable maps, web apps, etc.) for all levels of users and skill levels to facilitate data-driven decision making
• Use of drones and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAVs) to create ortho-rectified imagery in support of data development

Current initiatives of the DARM sub-core include the following:

• Food Insecurity: Efforts to better understand food insecurity in North Carolina are considered. Activities include developing surveys, collecting data at community events, and conducting data analysis of preliminary findings. Data collection is ongoing for better analysis. Recent manuscripts include the following:
  • "Food Insecurity in the Rural Southern United States in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic"
  • "Using Raster-Based Point Density Calculations to Assess and Evaluate the Availability of Food Sources"
  • "A Novel Metric to Measure Dollar Store Availability in North Carolina"