Welcome to Research Support

A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Department of Research Support empowers faculty, student researchers, fellows, and residents with expert guidance in biostatistics, scientific writing, research development, coordination, and management. Our team’s proven track record of assisting and directing campus research initiatives ensures we’ll be a valuable partner in your projects. We have staff on the Kirksville and Mesa campuses.

Division of Research, Grants & Scholarly Innovations (RGSI) 2021-2028 Strategic Plan to Support Research and Scholarly Advancement

The overarching aim of this plan is to promote excellence in health care and educational research/scholarship thereby achieving preeminence as a health sciences university. View the full RGSI Strategic Plan.

Research Support strategic priorities:

• Develop an effective, University-wide, integrated and integral research and scholarship governance structure.
• Build academic and scholarship capacity in the health professions (that includes all forms of scholarship).
• Further develop and enable individual research and scholarly activity and specifically develop interdisciplinary and translational research.

Research support services

ATSU’s Department of Research Support offers a comprehensive suite of services to guide faculty through every stage of your research journey. Our team of experienced professionals provides expert assistance in various aspects, including biostatistics, scientific writing, research coordination, and project management. Visit the Department of Research Support section of the ATSU Portal (ATSU login required) for a complete list of available services and additional resources.

Biostatistics

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• Craft research questions: We’ll help you formulate a clear and focused research question.
• Data visualization: Explore various options to effectively present your research data.
• Sample size & power analysis: Determine the ideal sample size and assess study power.
• Measurement tools: We can guide you on selecting appropriate measurement tools.
• Identify variables: Distinguish between independent and dependent variables in your study.
• Statistical analysis: Choose the best statistical methods for your data analysis.
• Data interpretation: Gain insights from your analyzed data with expert guidance.

Scientific Writing

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• Ensure publication success: We’ll help you navigate journal formatting, word count, and other submission requirements.
• Refine your manuscript: Expert editing and organization for a polished and impactful presentation.

Research Coordination and Project Management

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• Develop study plans & documents: Craft protocols, applications, consent forms, and more.
• Navigate regulations: Guide IRB submissions and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage participants: Recruit, schedule, and oversee participant involvement.
• Data quality control: Create and implement a data quality assurance plan.
• Budget oversight: Monitor grant budgets and ensure financial efficiency.
• Train study team: Equip team members with the necessary knowledge of the protocol.
• Data collection support: Assist in data collection procedures.
• Close-out studies: Complete all required study closure procedures.
• Virtual research days: Support and assist in virtual, in-person, and hybrid events.
• Research survey instrumentation: Best practices and advanced survey development as requested from primary investigators.

Student research

Many students are eager to be involved in research while at ATSU. To get started, we recommend first and foremost that students connect with an ATSU faculty member who shares their research interests and can serve as a research mentor. A research mentor is valuable to a successful student research experience because they cannot only provide support and guidance on a student's specific project but also provide real-time personal interaction. A meaningful research experience, through support of a faculty mentor, can lead to a strong understanding of the entire research life cycle while also enriching the overall educational experience.

For an overview of current ATSU research and scholarship, including publications, presentations, and abstracts by faculty, students and alumni, visit the Research News page.

Research partnerships

ATSU’s Department of Research Support collaborates with various partnerships to advance research and innovation across multiple healthcare disciplines. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources, enabling groundbreaking studies that address critical societal challenges in order to better serve the underserved. Through these alliances, ATSU is committed to contributing research that informs public policy and promotes the well-being of our communities through whole person healthcare.

Virtual research events

ATSU’s Department of Research Support hosts a series of virtual events to provide a dynamic platform for faculty researchers and students to present their findings, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, and foster collaborations without geographical constraints.