Why did you choose the Brown University School of Public Health?

What really stood out to me about Brown was the intentionality I saw in both the research and the way the program invests in its students. I was really drawn to the breadth of research within the school of public health, and it is easy to see how the work connects rigorous statistical methods with real-world health questions. At the same time, I was really impressed by Brown’s effort to create a strong sense of community through programs like NextGen. So for me, it was really the combination of a rigorous program, meaningful research, and a community that genuinely invests in its students that made me choose Brown. Ultimately, I felt that Brown would give me the tools and support to grow as a biostatistician, but also to pay that investment forward to make a meaningful impact in my community.

What makes Brown's program different from other programs you considered?

What initially drew me to Brown was the strength and rigor of the Biostatistics program, but what really made Brown different from other programs was the sense of community I experienced even before I arrived. I first connected with Brown through an alumnus, and as I learned more about the Biostatistics program and the NextGen Scholars community, I really saw Brown’s commitment to making students feel included. While Brown clearly has top tier academics and renowned professionals in their field, what ultimately solidified my decision was the people. Having those personal connections made Brown feel less like a place I was simply moving to and more like a community I could see myself becoming part of.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

What I enjoy most about my program is the close-knit community. It has made it easy to build meaningful relationships with my professors, explore research opportunities, and feel comfortable reaching out for support whenever I need it. I especially appreciate how committed each professor is to helping their students succeed and encouraging us to pursue opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

My academic interests are in causal inference, comparative outcomes, and nonparametric methods, with applications in environmental health and policy. I am interested in using these methods to better understand how environmental conditions influence health outcomes and healthcare access. Ultimately, I hope to use data-driven approaches to inform policies and develop solutions that improve health outcomes for people, regardless of where they live or the circumstances they face.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

I know that I want to pursue a career in research, but I am still exploring the different paths I could take to get there. I plan to take full advantage of the many career development and networking opportunities offered through the School of Public Health and the Biostatistics Department. I’m excited to explore these opportunities, learn from the people around me, and see where they ultimately lead me in my career.

Why Providence?

What drew me to Providence is that it’s beautiful, walkable, and has plenty to offer without feeling overwhelming. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and things to do, and it’s easy to get around by public transportation. I also appreciate its smaller-city feel while still being well connected to surrounding areas. Being able to take the train to Boston or explore nearby cities gives me access to even more opportunities while still having a comfortable, close-knit community to call home.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

The biggest piece of advice would be to be genuine and focus on finding a program that feels like the right fit. Graduate school is a big commitment, so finding an environment where you feel supported and can thrive is important. I’d also encourage you to ask questions throughout the process. We are here to support you!