Alumna Spotlight: Tingxuan April Li, Class of 2021
Tingxuan April Li is a Duke Master of Biostatistics graduate from the class of 2021. She currently works as a Biostatistician for Systimmune in Seattle, Washington.
Background and Motivation
- What initially drew you to the field of biostatistics?
I was drawn to biostatistics because it uniquely combines my interest in data analysis with the potential to make impactful contributions to public health and scientific research.
- Why did you choose Duke University’s Master of Biostatistics program?
I chose Duke’s Master of Biostatistics program for its rigorous curriculum, small-sized class setting, emphasis on real-world applications, and strong faculty support, which I felt would equip me well for a career in biostatistics.
Academic and Personal Experiences
- What are some of your favorite memories or experiences from the program?
Some of my favorite memories involve department activities, where I got to connect with classmates, build friendships, and have fun outside of the classroom. These experiences added a personal dimension to the program, making the intense coursework more enjoyable and memorable.
- Were there any faculty members or mentors who had a significant impact on your learning journey?
Dr. Ben Goldstein was instrumental in my development; his mentorship in both the classroom and during my master projects helped solidify my understanding of complex topics and boosted my confidence.
- How did the program prepare you for the challenges in your current role or in your field?
The program’s challenging coursework, programming skills and practical assignments prepared me for the data analysis and interpretation demands of my current role, building both technical and problem-solving skills.
Career Path and Current Role
- Can you describe your current role and responsibilities?
Currently, I work as a biostatistician, where I analyze data to inform healthcare decision-making. My responsibilities include designing studies, conducting statistical analyses, collaborating with different study teams and interpreting findings.
- What are some projects or achievements of which you’re particularly proud?
I’m particularly proud of a recent project where my analysis contributed to improving a clinical trial’s design, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
- How has your education in biostatistics influenced your career or opened up opportunities?
My biostatistics education equipped me with skills in statistical modeling and data interpretation, which have been essential in my role. It’s led to opportunities to work on clinical and public health projects, where my analyses help guide study design and influence research outcomes.
Challenges and Advice
What advice would you give to current or prospective students in the biostatistics program?
My advice to students would be to actively seek projects that challenge you and provide hands-on experience. Embrace complex topics—they prepare you well for real-world scenarios where data often doesn’t behave as expected.
Future Goals and Aspirations
- What are your goals for the next few years in your career?
In the coming years, I aim to lead a project independently from start to finish and take on greater responsibilities. I plan to deepen my knowledge of statistical methods and study designs while becoming well-versed in industry procedures and standards.
- How do you see the field of biostatistics evolving, and what trends are you excited about?
I see biostatistics evolving with increased integration of machine learning and AI, enabling more sophisticated modeling and predictions in clinical trials and public health research. I’m especially excited about trends like personalized medicine and real-world evidence analysis, as these approaches allow for more tailored and impactful healthcare solutions. The growth of high-dimensional data analysis in biostatistics also presents opportunities to innovate in how we analyze and interpret complex datasets, driving new insights in precision health.
Personal Interests and Balance
- Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy long distance running and strength training, which help me stay balanced and energized.
- How do you balance work and personal life while working in a demanding field?
I maintain work-life balance by setting boundaries for my work hours and prioritizing personal time to recharge.
Reflections and Closing Thoughts
- Looking back, how has your journey in biostatistics changed or impacted you personally?
My journey in biostatistics has deepened my appreciation for the role data plays in advancing healthcare, and it’s been rewarding to see my skills directly contribute to meaningful projects.
- Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Duke community or future biostatisticians?
I encourage future biostatisticians to be open to learning continuously—biostatistics is ever-evolving, and staying curious will only enhance your impact.