Leslie Colloway
Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical
University
Undergraduate Major: Mathematics

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

Group Project: Genetic Predictors of Response to Chemotherapy: An Analysis of a Neuro-Oncology Study

I am a rising sophomore at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. My major is math with a minor in statistics. I plan to get a Ph.D. in some area of mathematics. As a sophomore I am trying to find a concentration, which is particularly why I am at Harvard for four weeks. I am a participant in the Summer Program in Biostatistics, which is a four- week program that provides mathematically inclined students with an opportunity to see the relationship between biostatistics and public health. Everyday various Harvard faculty and other presenters solidify this correlation with statistical applications. This program is a great opportunity for aspiring biostatisticians and though, I am not certain of the direction I am headed, but I am more than certain that this has been a wonderful educational experience!

Elton Holmes
University of Maryland
Undergraduate Major: Mathematics/Computational Biology

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

Group Project: Genetic Predictors of Response to Chemotherapy: An Analysis of a Neuro-Oncology Study

I am a rising junior at the University Of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC.) I’m double-majoring in mathematics and computational biology (if it gets approved this fall) with a concentration in pre-medicine. At UMBC, I’m a Meyerhoff Scholar and a MARC. The Meyerhoff Scholarship Program is a national model for talented students in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics and computer science. Currently, I’m working with Dr. Florian Potra, Professor of Mathematics at UMBC. Using Matlab and Mathematica as software for mathematical models, I am looking at various biological systems using partial differential equations and mathematical modeling through Bifurcation theory on dynamical systems. The Summer Program in Biostatistics at Harvard School of Public Health exposed me to various topics and dynamics in biostatistics and researchers in this field have motivated me to greatly consider biostatistics as a prospective career. Currently, I plan attend a M.D/Ph.D program with a concentration on

Jennifer James
Harvard University
Undergraduate Major: Applied Mathematics

Mentor: Peter Gilbert Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biostistics

Group Project: Preventative HIV Vaccine Trial

I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and am a rising junior at Harvard University. I am currently majoring in Applied Mathematics with a focus on applications towards the medical sciences. I am in the biostatistics summer program, and am working with Dr. Peter Gilbert on his research involving clinical trials and the HIV vaccination. I am interested in attending medical school, and am also interested in joint MD/PhD programs.

Nadine Noorhasan
University of the Virgin Islands
Undergraduate Major: Chemistry

Group Project: Preventative HIV Vaccine Trial

 My name is Nadine Natasha Noorhasan and I am from the US Virgin Islands. Recently, I graduated with a major in chemistry and a minor in physics-Magna Cum Laude. Although my major is chemistry with a minor in physics, my passion lies in the field of mathematics. This summer research program in biostatistics has enabled me to understand how research in mathematics played an integral role in many scientific fields such as public health and how it will continue to affect our daily lives.

Rachel Wilhite
Xavier University of Louisiana
Undergraduate Major: Statistics/Mathematics

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

Group Project: Genetic Predictors of Response to Chemotherapy: An Analysis of a Neuro-Oncology Study

During the four week program I worked on a group project that analyzed several genetic factors of a particular brain cancer. The primary goal of the project was to answer the question: are the genetic variables good predictors of response to chemotherapy? A “response” referred to a reduction in tumor size. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship amongst the seven genetic factors and response to chemotherapy. The biostatistics project required the use of STATA, a statistical software package, learning the technique and interpretation of logistic regression, and the history of brain cancer. As a future biostatistician I received first hand experience working in biostatistical research and learning how important team work is! As a minority student I understand the importance of graduate studies, especially PhD studies. My hope is that I can reinforce my research studies and skills by participating in valuable summer research programs. My summer in Boston was a great experience. Boston offers a great working environment within the public health arena. But it’s not all work, there are many cultural activities to enjoy. The Harvard School of Public Health was a great place to be. I really enjoy traveling and I would love to travel overseas in the near future. I believe that all my experiences and future challenges will only strengthen my ability to be a valuable asset within the field of science. I would like to work in the field of medical academia. Who could ask for a better way to see what career opportunities are available!