Haotian Zhuang completed Duke’s Master of Biostatistics program in May 2022. He then joined Duke’s Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics PhD program, where he is a third year student.
Educational Journey
Could you share your academic background and what led you to pursue a Master’s in Biostatistics at Duke?
Before joining Duke, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from Dalian University of Technology. I began working on biostatistics research in my junior year and was impressed by the wide application of mathematical tools in biostatistics. This experience encouraged me to pursue a Master’s degree in Biostatistics. Duke Biostatistics has been under rapid development, which influenced my decision to choose this program.
What inspired you to continue with a doctorate after completing the Master’s program?
I had planned to pursue a doctorate before joining the Master’s program. Throughout my two years of study in the Master’s program, I maintained a continuous interest in working on exciting research projects in biostatistics, which prepared me well for applying to a PhD program.
Experiences and Impact
Were there any specific projects, internships, or research experiences during your Master's education that influenced your decision to pursue a doctorate?
During my Master's studies at Duke Biostatistics, I worked on two research projects related to clinical trials and statistical genomics. These experiences enabled me to tackle real-world problems with statistical thinking and gave me a profound sense of achievement. I felt particularly fulfilled when my methods contributed to clinical development and my software tools assisted clinicians without a quantitative background. This greatly influenced my decision to pursue a doctorate.
Could you describe a memorable mentorship experience you had at Duke? How did it shape your career or academic goals?
In my second year, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant on a genomics project. My advisor offered considerable support, helping me enter this field. I also participated in the manuscript submission and revision process, which taught me how to effectively communicate results to the broader scientific community. This experience has motivated me to continue working in this field during my PhD studies.
Research and Career Path
What areas of biostatistics or related fields are you currently researching, and what excites you about this work?
My current research focuses on developing statistical and computational methods for single-cell and spatial genomics. I am excited about this work because these methods significantly enhance our understanding of biology and have the potential to improve clinical practices.
What are some skills or techniques from Duke’s Master’s program that you use most frequently in your current research or studies?
Rather than any specific course, the most valuable skills I acquired from Duke's Master's program are critical thinking and the ability to learn new materials quickly. Additionally, working on applied course projects and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds have been incredibly beneficial to my current research and studies.
Advice for Current and Prospective Students
What advice would you give to students considering a Master’s in Biostatistics or a doctoral program?
For those considering a PhD program, first deeply consider if you have a strong interest in research, as it is a commitment of at least five years. Second, although you are pursuing a Master’s in Biostatistics, do not feel restricted to a PhD in the same major. Explore diverse programs such as Statistics, Computational Biology (Bioinformatics), and Biomedical Informatics, depending on your research interests. Always seek advice from people within your network, like alumni and faculty, to gain varied perspectives.
What resources, classes, or activities would you recommend to current Master’s students who are thinking about pursuing a PhD?
Both coursework performance and research experience are crucial for PhD application. In terms of coursework, I recommend taking one PhD-level course. Regarding research, it is beneficial to start early and concentrate on one field. Making significant progress in a single area is far more impactful than the number of projects you have worked on .
Reflections and Looking Ahead
Where do you hope to see yourself professionally in the next five to ten years?
My five-year goal is to become an independent researcher in academia and establish my own research lab.
Any last thoughts on the importance of biostatistics in today’s world and what keeps you passionate about the field?
With decades of advancements in statistical methods and evolving clinical questions, this is the perfect time to study and work on Biostatistics.