Megan Spalding completed Duke’s Master of Biostatistics degree in May 2023. Megan currently works for SAS in Cary, NC, as a Sr. Associate Analytical Consultant.
Background and Motivation
- What initially drew you to the field of biostatistics?
- After my undergraduate degree, I was a high school chemistry teacher for three years, and while I enjoyed it, I found myself craving a change. During an education seminar focused on teaching data science and statistics in schools, I discovered biostatistics. With my background in biology, biostatistics immediately caught my attention. I’ve always had a strong interest in addressing public health challenges and learning that there was a field dedicated to using statistical methods to tackle these issues was eye-opening.
- Why did you choose Duke University’s Master of Biostatistics program?
- When I was looking at programs, I was mainly focusing on two criteria– the program being affiliated with a medical campus and emphasis on student learning through internships. Additionally, I was looking for a program that allowed non-math majors to apply since I had a degree in biology.
- When I was looking at programs, I was mainly focusing on two criteria– the program being affiliated with a medical campus and emphasis on student learning through internships. Additionally, I was looking for a program that allowed non-math majors to apply since I had a degree in biology.
Academic and Personal Experiences
- What are some of your favorite memories or experiences from the program?
- My favorite memories were meeting new people and making close connections with other students in the program. My cohort started off at the tail end of COVID, so we started off hybrid and it felt hard to ask peers for help with course work. But once we got to know each other, we formed really close relationships, and I learned so much from everyone.
- Were there any faculty members or mentors who had a significant impact on your learning journey?
- Yes! Dr. Brooke Alhanti definitely made the greatest impact on my learning journey. I first met Brooke when I was a student in her R class and she was willing to take me as a student intern, even though I was a relatively new R coder. She really encouraged me to push myself programmatically and I was able to complete projects in R, SAS, and python.
- How did the program prepare you for the challenges in your current role or in your field?
- The program really emphasized collaboration and improving communication skills. As a consultant, I work with other consultants, data scientists, et cetera and I am constantly on calls with clients. Knowing how to disseminate information is extremely valuable.
- The program really emphasized collaboration and improving communication skills. As a consultant, I work with other consultants, data scientists, et cetera and I am constantly on calls with clients. Knowing how to disseminate information is extremely valuable.
Career Path and Current Role
- Can you describe your current role and responsibilities?
- Under a big umbrella, I work in the healthcare analytics sphere of SAS. Within that world, I am a consultant for various government agencies’ departments of health. I work primarily with supporting data acquisition, validation (lots and lots of validation), cleaning/preparation, and management from incoming data sources for analysis.
- What are some projects or achievements of which you’re particularly proud?
- My very first project! It was building out a monthly report using Medicare and Medicaid claims data that would get sent to a certain state’s department of health and it had to have certain specifications. Looking back, I had no idea what I was doing, no idea how the life cycle of a project looked at the company, and no idea what the best practices were for a project. I learned quite quickly how important it is to ask for help and set up regular meetings with various people with different skills and you can learn from them. But from all the mistakes I made in that project, I learned how to not make them in future reports and how to be a better analyst.
- My very first project! It was building out a monthly report using Medicare and Medicaid claims data that would get sent to a certain state’s department of health and it had to have certain specifications. Looking back, I had no idea what I was doing, no idea how the life cycle of a project looked at the company, and no idea what the best practices were for a project. I learned quite quickly how important it is to ask for help and set up regular meetings with various people with different skills and you can learn from them. But from all the mistakes I made in that project, I learned how to not make them in future reports and how to be a better analyst.
Challenges and Advice
What advice would you give to current or prospective students in the biostatistics program?
- Take risks! It is easy to get caught up in a rut but try pushing yourself especially since you have a safety net at school. For example, I remember coding almost exclusively in R for course work and I wish I had done more SAS coding and learned pointers from professors while I was still there!
Future Goals and Aspirations
- What are your goals for the next few years in your career?
- SAS really prioritizes career development, and I am thankful to work for a company that wants you to set goals so they can help you achieve them. I think for me– currently, I want to become a better programmer, and I want to keep learning how to improve myself as a consultant.
Personal Interests and Balance
- Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
- I am a mom to a 1-year-old and she takes up all time outside of work! Spending time as a family is the best way I could spend my time…so much of our time together consists of playing outside and going to the park!
- How do you balance work and personal life while working in a demanding field?
- I am very thankful to work for a company that values spending time with your family and working 40 hours per week. Ultimately, I set boundaries for myself and mostly just work 8-5.
Reflections and Closing Thoughts
- Looking back, how has your journey in biostatistics changed or impacted you personally?
- I am definitely happier since I began my biostatistics journey. I was emotionally, physically, and mentally drained from teaching and I do not feel that way since I went back to school. I love being able to problem solve every day and work with such intelligent people!