Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) Mentoring Program

The ACTA DSMB mentoring program was launched in 2021 to facilitate and support the training of statisticians in the role of a DSMB statistician by offering ‘on-the-job’ training.

Dr Rebecca Harding – Biostatistician and Senior Research Officer Pasricha Lab, infection and Global health Division

Rebecca is a biostatistician in the Pasricha Lab within the Infection and Global Health Division at WEHI, joining in June 2020 following a move to Melbourne in 2019 to complete her Masters of Biostatistics. She completed her PhD in 2018 as a recipient of a Paediatric Freemasons Research Fellowship – University of Otago, NZ. Rebecca is an Accredited Graduate Statistician by the Statistical Society of Australia.

Tell us about your background and role at WEHI
I am a supporting trials biostatistician working on global health clinical trials, specialising in maternal and child health in low- and middle-income countries. The main trial I’ve been involved in examines the effects of intravenous iron versus oral iron tablets in pregnant women to improve anaemia, iron deficiency, and overall health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
My journey into statistics is quite unique. I completed my PhD in 2018 in New Zealand, focusing on childhood snoring and its impact on school performance, with a psychology background. During my PhD, I worked with a biostatistician supervisor whom I found inspiring. She encouraged me by saying, “You could have a job in this,” and that was a game-changer for me. In 2019, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a Master of Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne. Upon finishing my Master’s, I reached out to my lecturers for job opportunities, and luckily, my current boss was looking for someone. I started working with the team the day I submitted my
last assignment, and I’ve been here ever since.

When did you start in the DSMB Mentoring Program?
Within a month or two of starting my job I signed up for ACTA STInG, which gave me access to the DSMB program early on. When the DSMB program was introduced in the ACTA newsletter I immediately signed up.

Why were you initially interested in joining the DSMB mentoring program?
As an early career researcher, I was keen to explore the opportunities available to me. I knew about DSMB committees, but I had only seen them from the perspective of a trial statistician and didn’t know what went on behind the scenes. Joining a DSMB seemed like a great way to give back to the statistical community without being too onerous. The mentoring program offered a chance to gain confidence and knowledge from someone with extensive experience, which was an exciting prospect for me.

What has your mentor/mentee relationship looked like?
My mentor is Associate Professor Sabine Braat, one of the co-leads of the program, and she is also my work manager. It has been incredibly helpful working with Sabine, especially since we are in similar fields. We followed the guidance document provided at the start of the DSMB program. Initially, we reviewed the charter together, then met when DSMB reports were released to prepare for annual meetings. We always debrief after the meetings, and then continue with our usual working relationship.

Has your involvement in DSMB’s changed since participating in the mentorship?
At the end of last year, I signed my own charter as a statistician for a DSMB. It’s reassuring to know my mentor is still available for support, but I’m now independently managing a different trial and team. The program gave me the confidence to take on the responsibility of sitting on a DSMB sooner than I would have otherwise.

What is one stand out thing you have taken from the mentoring program?
The program showed me that participating in a DSMB is achievable, and it can be easily integrated into your regular job. The time commitment involved is minimal, and the program is designed to be manageable.

What advice would you give other statisticians considering joining the DSMB program?
Just do it! From the perspective of an early career researcher, it’s a fantastic opportunity and not too demanding. If you’re open to continuous learning, professional development, and giving back to the community, this is a great way to do so in a supportive and low-pressure environment.

ACTA STInG:

What is the value of ACTA STInG?
Being a statistician can sometimes feel isolating, but ACTA STInG has allowed me to connect with researchers at all career stages and expand my network. The monthly newsletter is especially useful as it keeps me informed about relevant events and programs, offering valuable information that just shows up in my inbox.

Has being part of ACTA influenced or benefited your work, career or professional confidence?
Yes! Recently, I applied for a promotion and used a resource from the ACTA website, written by expert statisticians, to strengthen my application. It made a significant difference, and I was successful in my promotion. I felt well-prepared and confident going into the process.

Would you recommend that others be involved in ACTA STInG?
Absolutely! I’d highly recommend ACTA STInG to early career researchers or students interested in clinical trials. It’s a great way to gain knowledge and boost confidence from the beginning. For more experienced professionals, it’s also a great way to mentor younger researchers and help them build their networks.

How has being part of the ACTA STInG / DSMB influenced or benefited your work, career or professional confidence?
ACTA STInG has broadened my understanding of clinical trials as a whole and boosted my confidence, especially in dealing with ‘imposter syndrome’. The open communication with clinicians and the approachability of everyone has made me feel like part of a community. Other members, who were initially intimidating to me as a student, have become colleagues and even friends. The overall experience has helped improve my communication skills, and I can ask questions without hesitation.