Jameson Blount
Jameson Blount graduated from Duke’s Master of Biostatistics program in May 2021. Immediately following that, Jameson began Duke’s Computational Biology & Bioinformatics PhD program, where he is currently a fourth-year student.
Educational Journey
- Could you share your academic background and what led you to pursue a Master’s in Biostatistics at Duke?
- I came to Duke with a Bachelor of Public Health in Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Duke Master of Biostatistics degree offered a way to learn and practice biostatistics with more clinical projects, which I found to be a refreshing change of pace after studying public health.
- What inspired you to continue with a doctorate after completing the Master’s program?
- I enjoyed my research experiences throughout my undergraduate career, so a PhD seemed like a possibility. Teaching at the collegiate level also appealed to me as a long-term career goal. My master’s thesis advisor, Dr. Janice McCarthy, was a fantastic mentor to me and recommended that I go for a PhD in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics given my background and aspirations. I agreed that it would be the best next step for me for more than one reason.
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?
- My time with Dr. Janice McCarthy working on a mathematical model for the within-host viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 was influential in my choice to continue doing research into computational biology. Our ability to model the complexity of the immune system showed me the power that a mathematical mindset has in tackling biological problems.
- Could you describe a memorable mentorship experience you had at Duke? How did it shape your career or academic goals?
- My internship with Dr. Janice McCarthy took place in the middle of the pandemic and during those days of isolation she was a constant encouraging and empathetic connection. Exploring the intricacies of the immune system with her guidance made the disruption of the SARS-CoV-2 virus seem like a solvable problem. I learned a lot from her about the kinds of questions researchers get to ask of the world and the process by which we can try and answer those questions.
Research and Career Path
- What areas of biostatistics or related fields are you currently researching, and what excites you about this work?
- My work is centered on improving statistical genetics methodologies for trait mapping in model organisms, specifically the nematode roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. Most model organism researchers use the same approaches to trait mapping that are used in humans, but organisms they’re working with often have very different population genetics from humans. By working to change the methods that these researchers can use, I feel like I get to help solve an overlooked problem and move the field forward into the future.
- What are some skills or techniques from Duke’s Master’s program that you use most frequently in your current research or studies?
- Much of the theory that I learned in the Master’s program became the cornerstone of one of my projects that seeks to improve statistical genetics methods. I use R Studio daily because it’s one of the best ways of generating nice-looking figures for papers and presentations.
Advice for Current and Prospective Students
- What advice would you give to students considering a Master’s in Biostatistics or a doctoral program?
- I would say to consider the career you want and work backwards from there. Will this degree take you exactly where you want to go? I would also say to talk to as many current students about their experiences and daily grind as possible. Can you see yourself in their shoes, doing the same things they’re doing? A doctoral program is a much bigger commitment than a Master’s, and the expectations for doctoral students are very different from those for Master’s students, so keep that in mind as well.
- What resources, classes, or activities would you recommend to current Master’s students who are thinking about pursuing a PhD?
- Other PhD students are likely your best resource if you are considering the degree. I would recommend reaching out to faculty who are working on projects that interest you and talking with them. If you enjoyed the discussion, find the students or postdocs working in the faculty’s lab and reach out to them to hear about their experience.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
- Where do you hope to see yourself professionally in the next five to ten years?
- I’m also passionate about scientific writing and science communication, so I’m hoping I can take those skills and my knowledge of genetics to a position in the biotechnology industry or possibly in the world of scientific patents.
- Any last thoughts on the importance of biostatistics in today’s world and what keeps you passionate about the field?
- With AI flooding the world of big data and its promises of quick solutions to complex problems, I think it’s more important than ever for biostatisticians to be involved in biomedical research. Despite the powerful tools at our disposal, there is no substitute for classical statistical training and principled analysis. Seeing the pitfalls of automation and the need for the slow but discerning human eye is what keeps me passionate about the field of biostatistics.