Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials

My primary interest is in the design, conduct, and analysis of multicenter clinical trials. Many of the trials we have completed are comparative effectiveness trials - head to head comparisons of competing treatment with patient-centered outcomes. Most of my experience has been in trials of treatments for eye disease and asthma.

Dr. Ann-Margret Ervin is an Associate Scientist at Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on the design and conduct of randomized clinical trials, particularly in the field of ocular disease and visual impairment. Her research encompasses a wide range of topics, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Ervin serves as Co-Principal Investigator for several significant projects, including a multicenter observational study of Stargardt Disease and a clinical trial investigating the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on ocular health. Additionally, she is engaged in research examining the ethical implications of federal regulations on institutional review boards (IRBs) and their impact on multicenter clinical trials.In her role at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Ervin also teaches courses on clinical trials management and quality assurance, contributing to the education of future public health professionals. Her extensive experience in clinical trial methodology and her commitment to improving research ethics make her a valuable asset to the field of epidemiology and public health.

Dr. Stephan Ehrhardt is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in the design and conduct of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). His research focuses on clinical trial methodology, particularly the development of innovative methods to estimate treatment effects across different subgroups of participants. By utilizing prognostic data, Dr. Ehrhardt aims to enhance the external validity of RCTs and improve participant outcomes, including those in control groups. His expertise extends to managing complex, multicenter studies and coordinating data centers, and he has worked on various research projects in both high- and low-income countries.In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Ehrhardt teaches courses on the design and conduct of clinical trials, contributing to the education of future public health professionals. His commitment to advancing research ethics in multicenter studies further underscores his dedication to improving clinical research practices. With a robust portfolio that includes leadership roles in significant research initiatives, Dr. Ehrhardt is a key figure in the field of epidemiology and clinical trials.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Sugar is a Senior Scientist at Johns Hopkins University, where she specializes in biostatistics with a focus on the design and analysis of clinical trials and observational studies. Her research interests include developing innovative statistical methods for clinical trials, particularly in oncology, where she has contributed to numerous high-impact studies. Dr. Sugar teaches courses on clinical trials analysis, monitoring, and presentation, as well as the design and conduct of clinical trials, equipping students with essential skills for effective research in public health.With a strong academic background that includes a PhD in Statistics from the University of Washington, Dr. Sugar has been instrumental in advancing methodologies that enhance the reliability and validity of clinical research. Her extensive experience in both academic and practical applications of biostatistics positions her as a key figure in the field, dedicated to improving health outcomes through rigorous scientific inquiry.