New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (NYP/CUIMC) serves a high number of racial/ethnic minority and low-income patients. In this project, we will create a data repository of all patients who have completed a universal screen in a clinical encounter for social determinants of health, including food insecurity. The scholar will handle large datasets extracted from the medical record for database creation and data visualizations. The dataset will include patient demographics, food security, and clinical outcomes. This data resource will allow the scholar to partner with researchers to examine predictors of food insecurity, clinical courses, and health outcomes among a large population of patients, including a time period prior to the COVID-19 surge in New York City. The project will be co-mentored through the members of the University-wide Food Systems Network, a novel collaboration of researchers at the Medical Center, Earth Institute, SIPA, and Teacher’s College.

This is a volunteer opportunity for students to use their skills for the social good.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Jennifer Woo Baidal
  • Department/School: Pediatrics/Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Location: Columbia Irving Medical Center/PH17

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 10/1/2020
  • End date: 8/20/2021
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Fall 2020: ~10

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets
    • Experience with database design
    • Ability to organize, merge, and manipulate large datasets with repeated measures
    • Ability to handle missing data
    • Excellent knowledge of data backup, recovery, security, and integrity
    • Ability to design and perform advanced statistical analyses using SAS and/or R or comparable advanced programming language
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: NOT eligible
  • Academic Credit Possible: Yes