Hear what fellow students have to say about our Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics graduate program. One of the best ways to learn about the MS in Biostatistics at the University of Miami is through the testimonies and stories of both our students and alumni. The profiles below give prospective students a look inside through the academic experiences of current and past students at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. We asked the following questions.
* How did you get interested in studying Biostatistics?
* What was your background before the University of Miami?
* What did you love most about the MS in Biostatistics program?
* How is your degree in MS in Biostatistics helping you in your current position?
Status: Alumni currently working at a pharmaceutical CRO company
My interest in Biostatistics came from my passion for mathematics and basic sciences. Applying mathematics through statistics and viewing it from a clinical, biological, and genetic perspective was the perfect combination of my interests and the best way for me to apply my mathematical skills. Before attending the University of Miami, I completed my Bachelor's in applied mathematics at the University of Michigan with a minor in biochemistry. I also had prior research experience in working with genetics and molecular biology as a summer intern at the Stanford School of Medicine.
In the MS in Biostatistics program, I loved the proximity of students and faculty. The smaller class sizes allowed me to get to know my professors much better to form a relationship outside of the classroom. Whether this was through projects, connections, or general help, I am not sure I would be able to get this same camaraderie in other programs. After graduation, I began working at a pharmaceutical CRO company. I am interested in applying my skills in a variety of fields, including finance, general big data analytics and science, or as a biostatistician continuing the type of work that I do while learning.
Status: Alumni currently working at a well-known pharmaceutical company
Biostatistics was particularly attractive to me because of its distinct applications, as I could use my background in mathematics and health to employ statistics and benefit others through clinical trials. I am originally from Indianapolis but received my Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a minor in exercise science from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.
I chose the MS in Biostatistics program at the University of Miami because of its unique accelerated and applied degree option. I loved the small class sizes and direct instruction from professors. They really want the students to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, being a graduate research assistant and teaching assistant allowed me to build upon the required core coursework through hands-on experiences that appreciate real-world applications of biostatistical research. I am working as an applied biostatistician for clinical trials at a pharmaceutical company and I look forward to applying the skills that I learned at UM to make a real impact on those worldwide.
Status: Alumni currently working at a well-known pharmaceutical company.
I always had been interested in the medical field but also had a passion for mathematics, which is what I pursued in my undergraduate studies. Biostatistics provided the opportunity for me to merge these two interests. Before enrolling at the University of Miami, I attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a minor in exercise science.
I loved UM’s focus on the application of Biostatistics and not on theory alone. I also appreciated the small class sizes and the opportunity to receive a Master’s degree in over a period of 10 months. My goal after graduation was to work in the area of clinical trials and apply all of the skills that I gained throughout this program. Currently, I am pursuing those skills at a well-known pharmaceutical company.
Status: Alumni currently working at a medical institution
When I use to study biology, I was enrolled in a course that focused on the knowledge of genomic sequencing and how to analyze huge amounts of genomic data using statistical methods, like principal component analysis and cluster analysis. I like the genomic and computer science areas, as well as Biostatistics, which is the combination of data science, biology and computation science. I believe that future theories like big-data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence will be useful in almost every area, which has influenced my decision in choosing biostatistics. Before enrolling at the University of Miami, I obtained a Bachelor of Nature Science in biology science.
My favorite part of the MS in Biostatistics program was that the students have access to talk and communicate with professors. My ultimate goal after working a couple of years is to apply to a Ph.D. degree in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or data science.
Status: Alumni currently working at a well-known pharmaceutical company
I became interested in Biostatistics after hearing several suggestions from my elderly friends and professors and after going on field trips to several well-known medical institutions and universities. Previously, I was a medical student at Harbin Medical University in China.
What I like about the MS in Biostatistics program is the one-year time frame. If you do not know whether you would like statistics or not, this is perfect to try and figure out whether you want to continue. After learning about statistics, I knew that I am an applied kind of guy. I am not going to try to learn more mathematics and focus on more arithmetic problems or fields. Instead, I am going to finish where I started, take the USMLE exam slowly and steadily, while working as a data scientist. After that, I am going to try to become a successful medical researcher and maybe begin a Ph.D. degree in the most enjoyable medical field for me. I will work towards that and see how it goes.
Status: Alumni current pursuing medical education
I became involved in clinical research and saw that statistical competency would be a valuable skill. This field merged my interests in medicine with my long-standing affinity for mathematics and statistics. In my undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, I majored in microbiology and cell science. Finally, I started a medical school and finished the first two years of my medical education and then took a leave of absence to pursue the MS in Biostatistics.
The 10 months time frame of this program allowed it to fit between the last two years of medical school. There is a significant focus on the applied side of Biostatistics and the program has excellent instructors. I would like to finish medical school and match to a good residency program that allows dedicated time for research. My goal is to have a career in academic medicine.
Status: Alumni current a Resident Physician
After finishing medical school in India and working at various hospitals in the U.S., I started the MS in Public Health program at the University of Miami. Being a public health student helped me understand the importance of biostatistics in the field of medicine.
The high faculty to student ratio in MS in Biostatistics program provides an opportunity to learn and build professional relationships. I love the diversity at the level of students and faculty, and the location of the school enhances personal and professional growth. Actively participating in research studies and understanding the evidence from newly published research helped in practicing current evidence-based medicine.
Status: Alumni currently working at a large well-known research-based specialized medical institution
I graduated from Harbin Medical University in China and my major was in preventive medicine in the Public Health School. There were three main majors below preventive medicine: epidemiology, biostatistics, and nutrition. I love mathematics and really enjoy the feeling from the experience in analyzing data. Because of this, I decided to learn more about biostatistics. I love the professional relationships in the MS in Biostatistics program. Everyone helps each other, and all of the professors are so kind. No matter the challenges, we always got answers from them.
Status: Alumni currently working at a large research-based medical institution
I obtained my Bachelor’s in preventive medicine and public health from Capital Medical University in China. As biostatistics was the main course for my major, I had a chance to learn some basic statistical principles and application by the statistical package SPSS. Majoring in science is not just studying hard data and cold facts. Biostatistics makes me feel like I have the opportunity to do work that can solve real-world issues and even change lives.
The MS in Biostatistics program not only focuses on the application of statistical methods but also cares about teaching the fundamental principles of public health, like epidemiology. As a research analyst, my daily work is using statistical methods and software to manage and analyze public health-related data. After working, I realized that what I learned in the program, which includes the main statistical methods (multiple linear regression, categorical data analysis, and survival analysis), the basic ideas of public health (epidemiology), and the software (SAS and R), are all necessary, as I now use them every day in my professional career.
