Laneva Cobb, BA

Ms. Cobb manages the Marcus Data Exchange (DEX)–precursor of LASSO, which is a center-wide data system that is used for all research projects at Marcus Autism Center. It is a secure, relational database that provides efficient data entry and storage (For a description of the Data Coordinating Center see Facilities & Resources). In Year 1 of her tenure at Marcus, she worked with Dr. Scahill and successfully performed a full data migration for study: Measuring Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from REDCap to DEX with exceptional accuracy (there were no data anomalies once completed). She modeled new studies, Infant Screening MAC-ID (FirstFocus), Infant Research Focus Group, and UCLA NCE Network Genetics 4 in DEX. She worked with Alp Koksal to train new Developmental Social Neuroscience Fellows on the querying and navigation of the DEX database. These individuals were so impressed with her work, they nominated her for the 2023 Quality Improvement Person of the Year Award. She performs data analysis for various partners, including data visualizations and dashboard creations. She built an on-demand interactive tool that allows users to monitor the quality of MRI screening visits. This tool enables the users to export real-time data from DEX, import into the tool, then filter and visualize the data based on their needs. She had also presented her vision of Digital Transformation (process automation, Upgrading the DEX database to digital storage (Google, Amazon Web Services) of the Research Data Infrastructure, which entails eliminating the need to import and/or export data from DEX for data analysis, the application of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Natural Language which includes querying the database by using plain English text, in turn, eliminating the need for a querying language/coding knowledge). In Year 2, Ms. Cobb will continue to consult with various partners to develop the study-specific databases in DEX. She will train the study coordinators at each site on the data entry process and how run selected reports for quality review. She will monitor data quality monthly by conducting quarterly data audits. Ms. Cobb will also conduct regular reviews of the data collection (quality checks on study entry criteria, missing forms, missed visits, etc.).

In Year 3, Ms. Cobb built an AI model to assist with conversion of the proprietary language of HTSQL to traditional Postgres SQL. She also performs App Development and Python Programming. She utilizes AI/ML to perform many tasks

In Ms. Cobb will also oversee National Database for Autism (NDA) submissions which will occur twice a year. She also hopes to implement her vision of Digital Transformation. She is currently working on projects to implement process automation.