Office of Survey Methods and Data Analysis (SMDA)

The mission of the Office of Survey Methods and Data Analysis (SMDA) is to serve as a centralized research infrastructure for faculty and other investigators at the Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies (INTS). Specifically, SMDA provides expertise in survey/assessment development and study design, statistical and data science techniques, and data processing and management services to individual projects and investigators. SMDA aims to improve and advance methodological approaches in the field of tobacco and nicotine research, and adjacent health-related domains.

Staff

Patrick Barnwell, PhD, Assistant Director
Marisa Tomaino, BA, Data Analyst
An Mei Chen, MS, Principal Statistician
Olivia Chien, MS, Principal Statistician

Current SMDA Activities

Post-award Support

Survey/assessment development and validation
Statistical analysis and modeling
Data processing and management
Ad-hoc data driven requests (e.g., peer review responses, RPPR submissions)
Training and capacity-building for trainees and junior faculty

Pre-Award Support

Research design consultation
Data collection protocols
Sample size and power calculations
Instrument development protocols

In-process Initiatives

Acquisition of datasets and documentation from major national surveillance systems
Development of guidelines and recommendations for secure data storage and transmission

Office of Survey Methods and Data Analysis (SMDA)