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Cyberinfrastructure Enhancement Core

David Alexander

David Alexander
Core Director
Pennington Biomedical

Timothy Elder

Timothy Elder
Creative Media Specialist
Pennington Biomedical

Christina Zurbuchen

Christina Zurbuchen
REDCap Administrator
Pennington Biomedical

Ying Wu

Ying Wu
 SPARC Developer
Pennington Biomedical

 

Contact this core
Email: technology@lacats.org

 

 

About This Core

The Cyberinfrastructure Enhancement Core develops and supports the technical and communication infrastructure to facilitate the collaborative process across the LA CaTS Center Research Community. This communications infrastructure serves both the LA CaTS Center Cores and investigators conducting clinical and translational research through various virtal and web based platforms as listed below.


Core Activities & Support

This software platform is web-based and offers a rich feature set for capturing and managing research data and surveys. The CE dedicated REDCap Administrator, housed at PB, provides adequate training and knowledge to investigators and LA CaTS Cores on the use of REDCap in support of research.

For more information, visit the REDCap webpage or contact the REDCap Administrator directly. 

SPARC is the web-based “Front Door” or central portal to researchers and their study teams to browse and request LA CaTS Center research services and consultations.

SPARCRequest is open-source software developed by our parnters from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) CTSA Program. The CE provides a dedicated SPARC developer, housed at Pennington Biomedical, to keep the system updated and functional for the user. 

https://sparc.lacats.org/  

  • Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI): The LA CaTS Center leverages LONI as a foundation for providing video conferencing sites to deliver media-rich content in support of educational meetings, collaborations, and telehealth efforts.
  • Video Conferencing, Teleconferencing, and Web Conferencing: utilizes "state of the art" video conferencing technology to enhance effective communication of LA CaTS investigators, cores and committees across the state. 

  • Web & Graphics Development: provides basic web & graphic development services primarily to LA CaTS Center Administrative Core and other cores as needed. 
  • SharePoint Portal: A web-based interface based on Microsoft SharePoint Server serves as a repository of resources for the LA CaTS Center and allows secure remote access to “meeting workspaces” so collaborators
    can share documents and other forms of information.
  • LA CaTS Web Portal: serves as the virtual “hub" of updated information on LA CaTS Center resources and activities.  It facilitates access to all center cores & resources that are essential to the success of LA CaTS investigators.
  • Social Media: The CE team, along with the Administrative Core helps to oversee the initiation and maintenance of all LA CaTS specific social media accounts. 

 

Specific Aims

  1. To facilitate clinical and translational research planning, conduct, administration, and data management using secure and proven cyberinfrastructure resources and tools, providing investigators a common ground through which to conduct research. 
  2. Provide resilient video conferencing resources to support telehealth, educational and community engagement efforts across the state which will enhance communication during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
  3. To leverage existing web-based tools for disseminating general information and for enhancing communication among all LA CaTS Cores.