Bobby Boone, a 2021 graduate of Duke University's Master of Biostatistics (MB) program, grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and currently resides in Salt Lake City, UT. After completing his undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Math at Texas Christian University (TCU), Bobby discovered his passion for the quantitative side of biology during a trout conservation internship. This experience led him to pursue a career in biostatistics, combining his love for biology and data analysis.
Bobby now works as a Biostatistician II at the University of Utah Data Coordinating Center. His day-to-day responsibilities involve data handling, such as deriving variables, building databases, and cleaning data to ensure valid analyses. He also collaborates with project teams, performs exploratory analyses, and produces statistical reports. He finds great fulfillment in his work environment, citing the supportive and collaborative culture at the University of Utah, where producing impactful science and maintaining a strong work-life balance are key values.
Bobby credits his time in Duke’s MB program for helping him hone critical skills that he applies in his current role, particularly coding in SAS and R, as well as effective communication. He regularly collaborates with a diverse range of professionals, including biostatisticians, project managers, doctors, and administrators, and he emphasizes how valuable it is to adapt communication styles to different audiences.
One of Bobby’s biggest challenges is managing multiple projects at once—balancing priorities and deadlines across long-term initiatives. However, he finds motivation in understanding the process and appreciating the long-term impact of his work.
When it comes to job searching, Bobby offers insightful advice: pay attention to how interviews feel. His interview at the University of Utah felt natural and aligned with his goals, and he encourages others to find that sense of belonging during the interview process. He also advises new graduates transitioning into the workforce to ask for help and lean on coworkers as key resources.
Outside of work, Bobby’s true passion is fly fishing. His adventures have taken him to destinations like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the Bahamas, and Belize in pursuit of fish. He also enjoys backpacking, climbing, skiing, and spending time with his fiancée, who he met after his first year at Duke. The couple just married in August 2024 and recently adopted a ragdoll kitten named Louis.
Bobby’s final piece of advice for current MB students? “Go to Duke Basketball games. As many as you can.”