What led you to choose the ColoradoSPH Biostatistics & Informatics Department for your PhD studies?
I pursued my bachelor’s at ASU (often called the Harvard of the West) and wanted to continue my education near the mountains. Colorado seemed like a great fit, and I was also drawn to the variety of research opportunities for students here.
Why did you choose to study biostatistics?
During my undergrad, I fell in love with math, pivoting from a computer science degree to a mathematics (statistics) degree. Soon after making this change, I realized I needed to go to grad school to get employed, so I started looking for different options, with a focus on data science. I stumbled on biostatistics, and it seemed like a great fit because it marries statistical theory with the ability to improve lives and better the healthcare system. I love the practicality of statistics in that it doesn’t shy away from the messiness of the real world the way that pure math sometimes does.
What has been your favorite class so far?
I would say the theory sequence (Theory I, II and Adv. Mathematical Stats). I really enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes / connections of all the methods we use in practice.
How would you describe the student community in the department?
Grad school can be challenging, and that’s why I think it is always important to have a strong support system and be able to engage in the community. I have had the opportunity to help foster a welcoming and engaging environment for students as president of the Biostatistics Student Association here at the CSPH. We hold events like happy hours, arts and crafts activities, and provide volunteering opportunities as ways for students to get together, have fun, and serve the community. I am very grateful for the friendships I have made here at the school, inside and outside the department.
Tell us about a project you are currently working on that you are excited about.
I am currently working on a project extending the results of diabetes treatment clinical trials to a larger population represented by a database of insurance healthcare claims data. We are hoping that this work will help us understand better how to treat groups underrepresented in clinical trials.
What advice would you give to prospective students applying to this program?
Brush up on your calculus and go to office hours!
What do you like to do outside of research? Or What do you like about living in Colorado?
I love the mountains, and enjoy climbing and running. I also love music and have attended many shows here. I also play piano and produce electronic music. We do have an orchestra here that is open for students to join that has been a highlight of my time at the school (we need more trumpets for the jazz band!).