Personal Statement for PhD
After graduating with anM.S. in Biostatistics from Brown University, I landed my first job as a statistical consultant. My main role was to help one of the pharmaceutical companies in using their clinical trial data to compare real-world data purchased from an insurance companythrough propensity score matching and multiple imputation (MCMC method). The objective of the study was to identify events that may alter cancer incidence in specific populations across the globe between different ethnic groups. This experience introduced me to reshape my mind on how to utilize all kinds of different sources of data to fit the researcher’s needs cost-effectively also the novel way of indirect comparison and complex intervention of different factors that could contribute to the development of certain tumor.
In 2018,Igot involved in research with Columbia University on high-dimensional image data cleaning (from lesion scan), propensity score matching, and related survival analyses. The paper underwent a strict external review process which helped me refine and articulate my arguments before publication in the Journal of National Cancer Institute. Out of this experience, a desire to pursue advanced academic training opportunities was born. Enrolling in a Ph.D. program in Epidemiology will be paramount for me to make an impact on research in a different perspective. Instead of finding the best drugs to cure people or the improved study design, it is always better to prevent such, that is why I decided not to delve deeper in the field of Biostatistics.As such, I hope to advance my research and studies in the computer algorithm to detect risk factors as well as the causal relationship between the disease and certain determinant.
I have experience working with medical directors and principal investigators from various institutions, and I have done FDA submissions with various pharmaceutical companies.Through communication with medical directors, clinical trial associates, and paper reviewers, I have been able to improve my communication skills and be able to adequately address other people’s needs based on their diverse abilities to process scientific representation of information. I consider my computer skills in SAS, R, Visual Basics, and Python and my ability to apply them in different settings, for varying purposes to be quite remarkable. This is quite evident in my presentations at CDISC interchange and the PharmaSUG conference.I have a very solid background in all statistical theories such as GEE, GLM, survival analysis and causal inference, as I apply them every day in my current statistician role.
In 2019 I got the privilege of working with Purdue pharma on their central nervous system (CNS) drugs in assessing reversal and breakthrough of opioid agonist effect.Although there’s a need to develop more effective, longer-acting opioid antagonists to counteract the extremely potent synthetic opioids that are now claiming thousands of lives each year as what I am doing now, I really want to figure out better ways to prevent overdose in a boarder level.Being part of BrownUniversity’sEpidemiologyprogram will undoubtedly help me develop my research interests in opioid overdose treatment/solutions and I would render invaluable contributions to the research team.
I want to explore better methodologies that are likely to translate to a better grasp of the drawbacks in clinical trial study designs. In the present age and with the innovation of technologies like wearable devices and improved image scanning of certain lesions, there is a wide array of data waiting to be incorporated as well as conclusions to be drawn upon. I continue to be inspired by leading researchers from the industry, and my better half (who is an expert in real-world data), to delve deeper into professional growth for the improvement of future research outcomes.
My desire to enroll in Brown University Epidemiology for my academic pursuit was as a result of itswell renounced in-depth research programs that I ever experienced, string faculty, and teaching facilities. Explicitly I am allured by modern research concept and methodologies. I am certain that I will benefit from the guidance of the reputed professors Brown Epi. The university will enable me to enhance my aptitudes in epidemiological researchwhile at the same time stay versed in the current progress in global academia. My main goal is that through the program I will be able to develop a solid foundation for an academic career in Epidemiology where I will be able to make prime contributions in Pharma industry.
