Andrew Johnson is in his second year of study with the Duke Master of Biostastistics program. Hi hometown is Layton, Utah. Andrew earned an undergraduate degree in Biostatistics from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Did you work prior to enrolling in graduate school? What work did you do?
Yes, for one year working as a stats analyst for the Air Force (contractor) on their nuclear weapon program.
What drew you to the field of Biostatistics?
At first, I was drawn to biostatistics simply because it sounded interesting and I enjoyed working with math. Over time, however, my perspective has deepened. I’ve come to appreciate biostatistics not just as a technical field, but as a discipline dedicated to uncovering truth through data and applying that knowledge to improve health and science.
What factored into your decision to attend Duke for graduate school?
My undergraduate advisor strongly recommended Duke, but what truly convinced me was how student-focused the program is. During my visit and in conversations with faculty and staff, it was clear they viewed the program’s value through the success of its students. Duke provides the environment, but it’s the growth and contributions of aspiring biostatisticians that bring the true value, and the faculty’s attitudes reflected that commitment.
What have you enjoyed most about the MB program to this point in time?
Without a doubt, the people. I’ve met incredible peers in my cohort and built valuable connections through my internship. Within the program, a close group of friends and I have formed a strong support network for each other, which has made the journey both more rewarding and more fun. These relationships have not only enriched my experience here but will continue to shape my education and career moving forward.
What has been the most impactful class so far?
Generalized Linear Models, without a doubt! It’s been exciting to sit in class and watch the concepts from my theory courses and applied classes come together in a cohesive way. Seeing the direct connection between mathematical foundations and practical applications has not only deepened my understanding but also given me more confidence in applying these methods to real-world problems.
What has been the biggest challenge in the graduate school you’ve faced?
The biggest challenge was confronting my self-doubt head on and not being discouraged. Several times I sat and wondered if I had what it took to be successful in this program, either because of a difficult homework assignment, meeting a challenging deadline, or not doing as well as I would have liked on a test. However, these challenges have pushed me to grow, strengthened my resilience, and reminded me that persistence is just as important as ability in graduate school.
Have you participated on a research project, or did you complete a summer internship?
I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the summer between my first and second year. I worked on a project in the Manufacturing Statistics group, where I helped develop automated tools for stability modeling and reporting. Through this experience, I not only strengthened my technical skills in R and Shiny but also learned how statistical methods can directly improve decision-making in a large pharmaceutical setting.
What are your goals after graduation/for the future?
I am currently applying to several PhD programs across the country with the goal of furthering my education and research in biostatistics. My long-term aspiration is to use advanced statistical methods to make meaningful contributions to public health and medicine worldwide. For example, I am particularly interested in developing statistical tools that can improve the design and analysis of clinical trials and strengthen methods for evaluating large-scale health interventions. Beyond research, I hope to use my experience and what I learn to mentor the next generation of biostatisticians.
What do you like to do for fun or to relax after your schoolwork is caught up?
When I’m caught up on schoolwork, I enjoy hiking in the forests of North Carolina, sharing meals with friends from my program, and staying connected with friends back home by playing video games together.
What advice do you have for prospective or incoming students?
Be present. While it’s possible to learn material on your own if you miss class, there is no substitute for engaging with your classmates and instructors. Those relationships will become the foundation of your professional network and can open the door to internships, research opportunities, and even recommendations for jobs or PhD programs. Show up, participate, and invest in the people around you, not just the content.