This online training session will provide an introduction to qualitative research methods. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences conducting qualitative research. Topics include: differences between quantitative and qualitative research, qualitative research methodologies, strategies for qualitative data collection, and methods of qualitative data analysis.

This event may be recorded. Materials such as slides or handouts will be shared with documented attendees only.

Presenters:
MaryBeth Grewe, MPH and Simone Frank, MPH
NC TraCS Qualitative Research Service

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The NC TraCS Biostatistics Seminar Series is appropriate for those with a basic familiarity with statistics. These seminars introduce topics not often included in STATS 101. In this seminar Todd Schwartz, DrPH, will discuss power analysis for sample size estimation for planning studies.

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Please note: This seminar will not be recorded and materials will be shared during the seminar or with documented attendees only. Attendance may be gathered from Zoom attendance reports.

The Non-Learning Health System

This NIH Collaboratory Rethinking Clinical Trials Grand Rounds features:

Robert Califf, MD
Instructor in Medicine
Duke University Medical Center
Former Commissioner of Food and Drugs

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Engineering Intrinsic AAV Proteins for Safer Gene Therapies

Join the Children's Research Institute and Sarah Powell, PhD, an assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, for a seminar on engineering intrinsic Adeno-associated virus (AAV) proteins for safer gene therapies. AAV is the vector of choice for gene therapy treatments, partially as a result of decades of research on its biology at UNC-Chapel Hill. Now that the therapeutic potential of gene therapy and AAV gene therapy has been realized, a greater understanding of the virus is required to generate safer, more efficacious treatments. Powell studies intrinsic AAV proteins and their potential roles in AAV biology that can be applied to AAV gene therapies in the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Participate in the seminar at 3116 Mary Ellen Jones Building (with lunch provided). A zoom option is available by request.

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This is a joint presentation between UNC’s Office of Research Development, KickStart Venture Services, and the Institute for Convergent Science.

This webinar will provide more information aboutt the NSF's new Translation to Practice (TTP) program, which aims to "support use-inspired research, translational activities and partnerships that turn scientific discoveries into real-world solutions." This webinar will outline the latest NSF updates, and the Institute for Convergent Science will provide a detailed look at the TTP program's three tracks: TTP-Explore, TTP-Translate and TTP-Partner (with the Translate and Partner Tracks not requiring prior NSF support). In addition, KickStart Venture Services will provide an overview of UNC-Chapel Hill’s I-Corps Program, an NSF-sponsored opportunity that empowers researchers to better understand the market potential of their use-inspired research.

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For more information about the NSF Translation to Practice program, visit nsf.gov.

Version Control with Git and GitHub

This 2-part (9/9/2025 and 9/11/2025) 5-hour course will be offered via Zoom, over two mornings. Attendance is required as the course will not be recorded.

In this course, participants will learn how to keep track of the code they use in their research using the version control system Git and the collaboration platform GitHub. Git allows you to keep track of changes to your code, easily revert to previous versions, and “tag” versions of code used in publications so that the exact code used can be retrieved at a later date. GitHub allows Git users to collaborate with each other on projects by managing simultaneous changes to the same files and allowing users to review and discuss each others’ code. Git and Github are applicable to any text-based programming or analysis language, including R, Python, Stata, Julia, and others.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants should create a github account at github.com and install git prior to the class. Windows users can download git at https://git-scm.com/download/win; there are multiple installation options, the first link is fine. Mac users can install git by opening the terminal application (in Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal) and typing “git version” (no quotes) and pressing enter. If git is not installed, you will be prompted to install it.

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Qualtrics is a powerful browser-based web-survey tool. It is available to UNC Chapel Hill faculty, staff, and students, for UNC-related projects. Qualtrics allows users to build complex surveys, distribute them, and analyze the responses all from one place.

In this course, we will cover basic Qualtrics functions beginning with an overview of survey options and settings, followed by hands-on practice programming and distributing a survey and downloading results. We will program some of the most common question and response types, customize requirements and validation, and add display logic, skip logic, and basic branch logic in the “survey flow”. We will then create and upload a contact list and discuss advantages and disadvantages of distributing the survey with an anonymous link vs. the survey mailer. Finally, we will cover a basic overview of the Data & Analysis tab for viewing, editing, and exporting raw data into various formats including .csv, .tsv, .excel, and .spss. Other topics include project sharing/ collaboration, Groups and Libraries, and preventing fraudulent responses and bot activity.

This is an introductory course and will not cover use of the online analysis tools within Qualtrics. Please note, this is a hands-on course. All participants are required to create a Qualtrics account before the course.

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Version Control with Git and GitHub

This 2-part (9/9/2025 and 9/11/2025) 5-hour course will be offered via Zoom, over two mornings. Attendance is required as the course will not be recorded.

In this course, participants will learn how to keep track of the code they use in their research using the version control system Git and the collaboration platform GitHub. Git allows you to keep track of changes to your code, easily revert to previous versions, and “tag” versions of code used in publications so that the exact code used can be retrieved at a later date. GitHub allows Git users to collaborate with each other on projects by managing simultaneous changes to the same files and allowing users to review and discuss each others’ code. Git and Github are applicable to any text-based programming or analysis language, including R, Python, Stata, Julia, and others.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants should create a github account at github.com and install git prior to the class. Windows users can download git at https://git-scm.com/download/win; there are multiple installation options, the first link is fine. Mac users can install git by opening the terminal application (in Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal) and typing “git version” (no quotes) and pressing enter. If git is not installed, you will be prompted to install it.

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Foundations of Applied Mixed Methods Research Design

This workshop provides participants with practical instruction on the topics of integrating qualitative and quantitative data, and the essential principles behind designing fundable mixed methods research. Specific topics include crafting mixed methods objectives and research questions, choosing appropriate sampling strategies, and selecting the most effective data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative). A significant amount of time is spent demonstrating the nuts and bolts of integrating qualitative and quantitative datasets, including diagramming points of interface. Although this workshop is primarily embedded in an applied context, the instructor will present some of the more common typologies and nomenclature used in the field. Course structure includes lecture, interactive discussion, and hands-on exercises.

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This interactive online workshop will focus on semi-structured interviewing, a data collection method used in qualitative research. Topics covered will include basics of semi-structured interviews, development of interview questions and probes, interviewing skills, and considerations for conducting virtual interviews. Participants will have the opportunity to practice developing interview questions and using interviewing skills.

This event may be recorded. Materials such as slides or handouts will be shared with documented attendees only.

Presenters:
MaryBeth Grewe, MPH and Simone Frank, MPH
NC TraCS Qualitative Research Service

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Postdoctoral fellows who have secured a faculty position and junior faculty interested in applying for the NC TraCS K12 mentored career development program are invited to learn more about the program at an upcoming information session. This round of applications is for positions that would begin July 1, 2026.

The same information will be presented at each information session (September 15 from 10-11 a.m. OR September 25 from 2-3 p.m.) followed by time for questions and discussion. All sessions are in-person ONLY & held in Brinkhous-Bullitt room 219.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one session to ask questions about the program overall as well as program eligibility. If you cannot attend an information session, please contact Kate Matthews at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions.

Key Dates:
Letter of Intent deadline: November 19 by 5 p.m.
Application deadline: December 19 by 5 p.m.

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Introduction to Data Analysis for Beginners

This 3-morning course is intended as a basic introduction to statistical terms, methodologies, and analysis strategies commonly used in clinical and translational research. The goal of this course is for participants to understand the vocabulary and fundamental concepts of biostatistics that will allow them to better design, implement, and analyze research studies as well as communicate more effectively with biostatisticians.

Introduction to Data Analysis for Beginners will be held from 9 a.m - 12 p.m. on the following three days: Tuesday, September 16; Thursday, September 18; and Friday, September 19. Please note: There will be no class held on the Wednesday of this week.

Presenter:
Marcy Boynton, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine
Training & Career Development Team, NC TraCS Institute

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Introduction to MAXQDA

his course will cover the features of MAXQDA (version 2025), a qualitative and mixed methods analysis software program that is used to systematically code, evaluate, and interpret textual data. Its capabilities include coding (including AI coding) and memo writing as well as advanced features such as generating matrices and code diagrams--as well as incorporating quantitative variables in analysis. We will demonstrate how to get started in the software by importing data as well as the mechanics of applying codes, using demographic variables, generating reports, building analytic matrices, and using other specialized analysis features.

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Accelerate your ideas through customer discovery and market opportunity validation!

KickStart Venture Services is recruiting community startups as well as faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students with innovations and an interest in commercialization to participate in their virtual NSF I-Corps program. They will teach you the principles of customer discovery to help you better understand the market potential of your innovation!

The National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps Program (I-Corps) was launched in 2011 and has quickly become one of the world’s largest and most successful technology commercialization accelerators. The I-Corps regional program helps researchers and aspiring innovators determine if they are solving a real-world problem with true market opportunity. NSF’s I-Corps Program not only provides funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help commercialize promising technologies, it is offered at NO COST to the community.

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For more information about the I-Corps Program, visit KickStart Venture Services.

AIM-AHEAD & NCATS Training Program: Cohort 3 Informational Webinar

This informational webinar is designed for those interested in applying to Cohort 3 of the AIM-AHEAD & NCATS Training Program. It will provide a high-level overview of the program, key details, and the application process and requirements. Program leads and instructors will be available to answer questions and share resources to help potential applicants determine if the program aligns with their research interests and career goals. This webinar will also include a dedicated Q&A period at the end of the session.

For more information, visit: Call for applications for the AIM-AHEAD and NCATS Training Program and the Frequently Asked Questions document

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Introduction to Data Analysis for Beginners

This 3-morning course is intended as a basic introduction to statistical terms, methodologies, and analysis strategies commonly used in clinical and translational research. The goal of this course is for participants to understand the vocabulary and fundamental concepts of biostatistics that will allow them to better design, implement, and analyze research studies as well as communicate more effectively with biostatisticians.

Introduction to Data Analysis for Beginners will be held from 9 a.m - 12 p.m. on the following three days: Tuesday, September 16; Thursday, September 18; and Friday, September 19. Please note: There will be no class held on the Wednesday of this week.

Presenter:
Marcy Boynton, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine
Training & Career Development Team, NC TraCS Institute

Register

Introduction to Data Analysis for Beginners

This 3-morning course is intended as a basic introduction to statistical terms, methodologies, and analysis strategies commonly used in clinical and translational research. The goal of this course is for participants to understand the vocabulary and fundamental concepts of biostatistics that will allow them to better design, implement, and analyze research studies as well as communicate more effectively with biostatisticians.

Introduction to Data Analysis for Beginners will be held from 9 a.m - 12 p.m. on the following three days: Tuesday, September 16; Thursday, September 18; and Friday, September 19. Please note: There will be no class held on the Wednesday of this week.

Presenter:
Marcy Boynton, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine
Training & Career Development Team, NC TraCS Institute

Register

This interactive online workshop will provide an introduction to focus groups, a data collection method used in qualitative research. Topics covered will include focus group methodology, considerations for planning a focus group, development of focus group discussion guides, focus group facilitation skills, and tips for conducting virtual focus groups. Attendees will also observe or participate in a mini "mock" virtual focus group session.

This event may be recorded. Materials such as slides or handouts will be shared with documented attendees only.

Presenters:
MaryBeth Grewe, MPH and Simone Frank, MPH
NC TraCS Qualitative Research Service

Register

Data Science Day: Data Science Across North Carolina

Join the School of Data Science & Society for their third annual Data Science Day. This year’s theme is Data Science Across North Carolina and will feature N.C. Department of Information Technology’s deputy secretary for artificial intelligence and policy, I-Sah Hsieh, as the keynote speaker. They look forward to gathering the North Carolina research community together to showcase data science research and collaborations across the state!

Registration is free but seats at the Carolina Club are limited. For more information and the day's agenda, visit datascience.unc.edu.

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Intermediate Qualtrics

This course will cover topics beyond the scope of the Introduction to Qualtrics short course. Take a deeper dive into “Survey Flow” features, including routing with branches, embedded data, customizing the “End of Survey” experience, and randomization. Explore embedded data, and several ways to import or set data in your survey through contact list fields, anonymous URLs, and conditions within your survey. Additional topics will include piping, authentication, managing results, re-coding values, exporting and importing data, and creating reports.

This is a hands-on course. Completion of Introduction to Qualtrics or understanding basic Qualtrics principles prior to this course is required. All participants are required to create a Qualtrics account before the course.

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Orientation to Databricks

Databricks is a popular cloud platform for performing advanced data science and analytics work. It is also the flagship application that will be available for advanced data science needs in SHIRE, which is the new, secure environment many researchers will soon be required to use to work with data from the Carolina Data Warehouse for Health. In this seminar, JP Powers, PhD, will provide an orientation to Databricks for new and future users.

Speaker:
JP Powers, PhD
Research Data Scientist
TraCS Data Science Lab

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Seminars in the NC TraCS Data Science Lab Seminar Series cover a range of topics related to health care data science, clinical data, data engineering, and working in these areas at UNC-Chapel Hill. These hybrid seminars are usually held monthly on the third Tuesday of each month from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the NC TraCS suite on the 2nd floor of Brinkhous-Bullitt or via Zoom. Please note: This month's seminar will be held on the fourth Tuesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Introduction to Multilevel Modeling

This course will take place over two days (9/24/2025 and 9/26/2025) and will be offered via Zoom. Attendance is required as the course will not be recorded.

Nesting can arise from hierarchical data structures (e.g., siblings nested within family; patients nested within therapist), longitudinal data structures (repeated measures nested within individual), or both (repeated measures nested within patient and patient nested within therapist). It is well known that the analysis of nested data structures using traditional general linear models (e.g., ANOVA or regression) is flawed, oftentimes substantially so: Tests of significance are likely biased and within- and between-group effects are confounded with one another. All of these limitations can be addressed within the multilevel model. In this workshop, we provide an introduction to the application of multilevel models with nested data, including software implementation in SAS, SPSS and Stata.

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Join North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University— a vibrant community of educators, researchers, and innovators— on September 25-26, 2025, at Koury Convention Center in Greensboro for a conference exploring how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning and research across disciplines.

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Little Voices, Big Choices: Best Practices in Pediatric Research Consent and Child Assent, and Other Considerations

Join the UNC Network for Research Professionals (NRP) for a hybrid education session on clinical research with children. Kids aren’t just small adults—learn how to do consent and assent the right way. Working with kids in research brings unique challenges—and responsibilities. Learn practical tips for IRB submissions, talking with parents, engaging children in the assent process, and handling the extra considerations that come with pediatric studies.

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Postdoctoral fellows who have secured a faculty position and junior faculty interested in applying for the NC TraCS K12 mentored career development program are invited to learn more about the program at an upcoming information session. This round of applications is for positions that would begin July 1, 2026.

The same information will be presented at each information session (September 15 from 10-11 a.m. OR September 25 from 2-3 p.m.) followed by time for questions and discussion. All sessions are in-person ONLY & held in Brinkhous-Bullitt room 219.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one session to ask questions about the program overall as well as program eligibility. If you cannot attend an information session, please contact Kate Matthews at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions.

Key Dates:
Letter of Intent deadline: November 19 by 5 p.m.
Application deadline: December 19 by 5 p.m.

Learn More

Join North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University— a vibrant community of educators, researchers, and innovators— on September 25-26, 2025, at Koury Convention Center in Greensboro for a conference exploring how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning and research across disciplines.

LEARN MORE

Introduction to Multilevel Modeling

This course will take place over two days (9/24/2025 and 9/26/2025) and will be offered via Zoom. Attendance is required as the course will not be recorded.

Nesting can arise from hierarchical data structures (e.g., siblings nested within family; patients nested within therapist), longitudinal data structures (repeated measures nested within individual), or both (repeated measures nested within patient and patient nested within therapist). It is well known that the analysis of nested data structures using traditional general linear models (e.g., ANOVA or regression) is flawed, oftentimes substantially so: Tests of significance are likely biased and within- and between-group effects are confounded with one another. All of these limitations can be addressed within the multilevel model. In this workshop, we provide an introduction to the application of multilevel models with nested data, including software implementation in SAS, SPSS and Stata.

Register

This online training will provide an introduction to qualitative data analysis, focusing on content/thematic analysis. The session will cover the basics of qualitative data analysis and steps in the analysis process, including transcribing, memoing, codebook development and coding, exploring content areas or themes, and interpreting and communicating findings. Participants will have the opportunity to practice developing and applying codes. Please note: We will not be demonstrating how to use qualitative data analysis software during this session.

This event may be recorded. Materials such as slides or handouts will be shared with documented attendees only.

Presenters:
MaryBeth Grewe, MPH and Simone Frank, MPH
NC TraCS Qualitative Research Service

Register

Norma Berryhill Distinguished Lecture

Speaker: John B. Buse, MD, PhD
When: September 29, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roper Hall Active Learning Theater or virtually

Please register for the in-person lecture and reception by September 12.

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The NC TraCS Professional Development Seminar Series is open to anyone seeking exposure to foundational concepts in clinical/translational research such as communication skills, finding funding, career planning, and implementing research. The Finding Funding module focuses on what you need to know before applying for funding for biomedical research.

Seminars in the Finding Funding module are presented every 2 weeks from September 30 - November 14, in-person on Tuesdays from 12 - 2 p.m. ET and repeated via Zoom on Fridays from 12 - 2 p.m ET.

In-person | Bondurant Hall, room 2030
Tuesday, September 30: Introduction to Sponsored Research
Tuesday, October 14: NIH 101, or Anatomy of a Request for Funding Announcement
Tuesday, October 28: Working with Foundation/Industry Sponsors/ SPIN database
Tuesday, November 11: What is a pilot study?

Virtual | Zoom
Friday, October 3: Introduction to Sponsored Research
Friday, October 17: NIH 101, or Anatomy of a Request for Funding Announcement
Friday, October 31: Working with Foundation/Industry Sponsors/ SPIN database
Friday, November 14: What is a pilot study?

Join for the topics that interest you and on the days that work for you. Please register for the Zoom-only option if you are unlikely to participate in-person as space for the in-person option is limited.

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Discrete Choice Modeling

This course introduces participants to discrete choice models. These econometric models are used to explain how people choose between discrete outcomes, such as mode of travel to work or type of treatment for pain. The course will cover the subset of discrete choice models known as random utility models, namely the multinomial logit and nested logit. These models are often used in disciplines such as economics, transportation, and public health. No prior knowledge of discrete choice modeling is expected. Hands-on exercises will be conducted in Python.

Random utility models are used across many disciplines. They allow one to use regression techniques to model choices between multiple outcomes, something not possible with many other models. Unlike many other models of discrete outcomes, random utility models are interpretable—it is easy to see which predictor variables are associated with which choices. Random utility models are also consistent with rational economic theory, meaning that properly specified estimates can be interpreted as willingness-to-pay and transformed into dollar amounts to understand the welfare impacts of policy. This course will prepare participants both to estimate these models and to interpret and evaluate them when encountered in practice.

Participants should be familiar with linear regression. Some understanding of binary logistic regression, as well as experience using Python, is recommended not required.

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