Patricia Cruz
University of California - Berkely
Major: Applied Mathematics

Mentor: Rebecca Betensky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics

Project: "Brain Tumor Survival Analysis"

Dalila Bailey
Hampton University
Major: Mathematics

Since receiving a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Hampton University in May 2001, I have been exploring several different research opportunities and gaining valuable knowledge and skills from these experiences. I have also been taking courses at Boston University School of Public Health and Northeastern University. I am currently a research assistant at the Slone Epidemiology Center on the Black Women's Health Study. I learned about the Summer Program in Biostatistics through the Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Hampton University. During the intensive four-week summer program , I received guidance toward a more focused career goal, lifelong lessons and friends.

In addition to the daily afternoon workshops, we attended a day long workshop on Community/Academic Partnerships for Health Promotion and Research. The workshop was very informative; I learned that my research goals lie in the field of community-based research. I was given the opportunity to network with professional in the field from institutions such as CDC and Harvard Medical School. I feel more confident about my goals and more focused on the paths I will take to achieve them.

Throughout the four-weeks of the program, my main focus was to utilize information that I learned in the biostatistics course and the computer course in STATA to prepare a presentation; I chose to work with Dr. Brent Coull and student mentor, Ms. Dionne Graham. Dr. Coull was very dedicated and was available at times that we needed to meet with him. Ms. Dionne Graham was available to meet with us anytime we needed and provided guidance on statistical software and models necessary to make our presentations a success.

As a result of the hard work and long hours put into the preparation of the presentation, the final product was a success. I now plan to apply to various doctoral programs including the Department of Biostatistics at Harvard and continue research, preferable in a more scholarly environment like Harvard University or NIH Academy.

Kevin Buckles
Morehouse College
Major: Mathematics/Physics

Mentor: Rebecca Betensky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics

Project: "Brain Tumor Survival Analysis"

Miriam Martinez
University of Massachusetts
Major: Accounting

I joined the biostatistics program because of my great interest in statistics. I read that Biostatistics was statistics focused on the health sciences. This fact raises my interest toward the field because it allowed me to use my quantitative knowledge and add to the health of my community.

The program offered an introductory course in biostatistics, which gave me a basic overview of statistics. We also attended to many presentations conducted by faculty members of Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). In addition to learn about biostatistics we were exposed to other fields under Public Health such as Epidemiology. What I enjoyed the must was to work in a research with a HSPH professor and mentor. This was a great opportunity to actively perform in a team what I was learning at the classroom. The research also raised in me a new interest in health issues among the Latino community. The program enhanced my knowledge in statistic and broadened my options for graduate school.

Mentor: Garrett Fitzmaurice, Sc.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics

Project: "Effects of Inhaled Glucocorticoids on Bone Density in Premenopausal Women"

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Garrett Fitzmaurice, on project that looked at the relationship between inhaled steroid use and a decrease in bone density mass at the hip in Pre-menopausal women diagnosed with Asthma. My group members and I found the project to be both exciting and informative. We learned the importance of team work and was very pleased with the outcome of the project.

What did I get out of the experience? Being chosen as a participant for this program was a blessing. Now that I have completed the four week program in Biostatistics I walk away with one of the most important things I could learn, going beyond the limits of my potential. This program has helped me refocus on pre-suing a career in Medicine and Public Health. Biostatistics is a wonderful option to explore if your interest includes research, mathematics, and group collaboration.

Khaleelah Thompson
Lincoln University
Major: Mathematics

Doryan Rodriguez
University of Puerto Rico
Major: Statistics

Mentor: Garrett Fitzmaurice, Sc.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics

Project: "Effects of Inhaled Glucocorticoids on Bone Density in Premenopausal Women"

My name is Doryan S. Rodríguez. I’m a senior at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. I’m pursuing a Doble Major in Statistics and Accounting and I will complete my degree in May, 2003. During this Summer Program I had the opportunity to work in the project with Dr. Garrett Fitzmaurice about The Relationship between Inhaled Steroids and Bone Loss in Pre-menopausal Women. This has been a great opportunity for me to know more about conducting research with mathematics, in the field of Biostatistics. Also, it has made me realize its integral role in the society. At the beginning of the program I didn’t have a realist notion of what Public Health really is, but through this program my knowledge of this field have increase. After the program ends, I will finish my undergraduate degree and I will pursue a research oriented career in Biostatistic.

Adrianna Saenz
University of California - Santa Barbara
Major: Sociology

Mentor: Garrett Fitzmaurice, Sc.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics

Project: "Effects of Inhaled Glucocorticoids on Bone Density in Premenopausal Women"

What I have learned this summer:

This summer has been both personally and professionally gratifying. The summer program in Biostatistics has allowed me to revive my passion in graduate studies and feel like I can make an impact in the world with a quantitative background. Through various workshops I have been exposed to various aspects of Biostatistics that have far-reaching consequences for the communities that I am trying to reach - minority communities whose health disparities have been overlooked for far too long. Therefore, this summer has ignited a deep passion in me to pursue graduate work in public health.

When I go back to school:

When I go back to school I intend to take the necessary math courses to prepare me for graduate work in epidemiology. Although Biostatics is very exciting, the summer program exposed me to an area in public health that combines both my sociology major, which I have invested quite a bit of hard work toward, and my interest of disease and health disparities in low-income, minority populations. I am particularly interested in the health needs of women and I hope to one day in the future embark on a career in epidemiology. Had it not been for the summer program in Biostatistics, I would have continued on the path of confusion, but instead I have found a career path that motivates me to continue to graduate school.

Shadana Yates
Norfolk State University
Major: Applied Mathematics