The National Institutes of Health provides our GCRC with special funding for biostatistical support. The GCRC Biostatistician is a voting member of the of the GCRC Scientific Advisory Committee, and in this role is responsible for reviewing each research protocol submitted for experimental design. This includes review of the study population definition, sampling strategy, sample size determination, power calculation, control group etc.. After approval, the biostatistician is available to consult on appropriate analysis and interpretation of the results. The biostatistician works closely with the GCRC Systems Manager in providing balanced support to investigators on what analysis to do as well as on how to do it.

Robert D. Abbott, PhD

GCRC Biostatistician

eMail: rda3e@virginia.edu
Voice:(434) 924-1687
Fax: (434) 924-8437 

Mathematical Modeling of Biological Processes

Biomathematics centers on understanding the biochemical, physical chemical, and thermodynamic pathways by which one portion of a biological organism transfers information to other portions of the same organism. This interest has spawned research at the level of whole organisms, at the cellular level and at the molecular level.

At the molecular and cellular levels, research interest pertains to understanding the relationships between thermodynamics, dynamics and structural changes within biological macromolecule and how these can transfer information to other portions of the macromolecular structure and modify the physiological functioning. Of particular interest are the molecular mechanisms of cooperativity.  Current research is involved in experimental and theoretical studies on several systems, including the kinetics of the lipid-lipid, lipid-drug and lipid-protein interactions involved in the liquid crystal transition of artificial membranes, and the molecular mechanisms by which human hemoglobin binds oxygen and other ligands.

Michael L. Johnson

GCRC Biomathematician

eMail: mlj8e@virginia.edu
Voice: (434) 924-8607
Fax: (434) 982-3878