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.

David M. Shade, JD, is a Senior Scientist at Johns Hopkins University, where he holds a joint appointment in the School of Medicine and serves as an associate scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. His research primarily focuses on data management methods for clinical research, particularly in the context of multi-center clinical trials. With a strong background in law, having earned his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, Shade applies his legal expertise to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical research practices. His work encompasses various medical disciplines, including pulmonary physiology and asthma management.In addition to his research contributions, Shade teaches courses on clinical trials analysis, monitoring, and data management at Johns Hopkins. His dedication to improving clinical trial methodologies and his experience in managing complex research projects make him a significant figure in public health and clinical research.