Catherine Gervais is a second-year student in the Master of Biostatics program. She is from Lowell, Massachusetts, about 30 minutes north of Boston. Gervais earned her undergraduate degree from Purdue University, where she majored in statistics and biology and minored in political science.
What first sparked your interest in biostatistics?
I initially went into undergrad for biology, but during my sophomore year I discovered that I was more into studying numbers and analyzing the results of research studies. After that, I started taking more statistics classes and other courses that allowed me to pursue the applied side of biostatistics.
What drew you to the Master of Biostatistics program at Duke?
When I came to visit before my first year, I learned that it is a very collaborative environment where everyone wants you to succeed. Having the resources and support of Kendall Mincey, the senior program director and integrative health and wellness coach, and Laura Coutts, associate director and career services, is what really brought me to Duke.
What skills have you gained from the program?
I enjoy the people and working with them on collaborative assignments. We learn how to work together with other people in the program, which is extremely beneficial because it’s the same type of work we’ll be doing as biostatisticians. We frequently present our work, which wasn’t something I was comfortable with before, but now it’s gotten easier thanks to the program.
What are some of your favorite classes?
Applied Biostatistics I with Dr. Tina Davenport, and Applied Biostatistics II with Dr. Hussein Al-Khalidi. They taught us the material and methods in a digestible way and helped me understand what it means to be a skilled biostatistician.
What does the program do well?
It gives the students the tools to succeed as successful biostatisticians. We have great classes and professors who have a wide variety of knowledge, as well as just the support we get from Kendall and Laura. We have the ability to grow professionally as well as academically.
Did you participate in a summer internship?
I have been participating in the Duke Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Research Methods (BERD) Core Training, Internship Program (BCTIP) since January 2022. I’ve been able to work with clinicians, and biostatisticians, on both the faculty and master’s level. I’ve had an amazing experience working with Dr. Al-Khalidi and Shakthi Unnithan on the neurology collaboration and Tracy Truong on the OB-GYN collaboration.
What type of work are you doing for your internship?
I’m working on a project titled “Racial Disparities in Alzheimer's Disease,” which looks at cognitive impairment in adulthood and how it's associated with childhood adverse experiences. A clinician in the Duke Department of Neurology introduced it to BERD back in January. I’ve learned how to work and communicate analysis and results. I have also had the opportunity to edit manuscripts and abstracts.
What have you gained from your internship experience?
Coming into the master's program, I was more interested in neurology projects because that’s what a lot of my undergraduate research focused on. But since I started working in the BERD Core, I've realized that there are really so many different areas that biostatisticians can work in, and now I know to not limit myself to one specific collaboration or subject. I know a lot about neurology, but I am open to learning new things. I feel like that's the beauty of biostatistics, knowing how to implement these analyses to be used across different subjects and different topics.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship experience?
I've enjoyed meeting people of various backgrounds, who have a shared interest in biostatistics, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunities available to Duke students. Everyone is full of knowledge and I’m constantly learning.
How has your internship benefitted you as a student?
I find myself using specific analysis or statistical plans that I have not quite learned in class yet, and when it comes up, I realize, "Oh, I know how to do this. This makes a lot more sense now that I know the theory or the background behind it." I feel like I am learning in the internship as well as learning in class. And a lot of the times they come together, and it's a lightbulb moment. I think, "Oh my goodness, everything makes sense."
How have you been able to balance the workload of your internship and your master’s program?
It’s easy to balance everything since the internship is through Duke, everyone I work with understands that I’m a student and that schoolwork comes first. But, at the same time, I’m able to work just under 20 hours a week during the school year, attend meetings and get work done in between classes. It's easy to divide my time up during the day and I feel like the work overlaps, so that helps too.
Are you involved in any other programs?
I worked at Lowell Public Schools in Lowell, Massachusetts as a summer school teacher this summer. It was similar to working at a summer camp, and it was an awesome opportunity. This took place from 8am – 12pm for the month of July, so I was able to successfully split my day between teaching in the morning and doing work for the internship in the afternoon. I was leading a class of about 20 second and third graders. I spent a lot of time helping them develop social skills, explore their creativity, and gain academic knowledge. We spent a lot of time learning about various Asian cultures, cultivating creativity through arts and crafts, and spending time in nature. While I was not speaking to these kids about statistical analyses, I feel as though I was able to communicate effectively and clearly, and tailor the lessons to each student’s ability level, due to the communication skills I have gained through the MB program and my internship. I am also a teaching assistant for one of the first year MB classes this year, and it’s helped me feel more confident and comfortable in an educational environment.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Future students should take any opportunity that's presented to them if they're even the slightest bit interested in something. Sometimes these opportunities can lead to amazing things like, an internship, a job, or even networking with other people. I wouldn’t have gotten the BCTIP experience if I hadn’t responded to one of Kendall’s emails. Also, don't be afraid to always ask questions.
What type of work do you see yourself doing in the future?
I used to want to work in the pharmaceutical industry or in a contract research organization. While I would still be open to work as a biostatistician in these industries, after my internship, I find myself wanting to work in a place like the BERD Core, where there is a lot of collaboration. There's a lot of new research studies that you can work on and you’re in an environment where you’re constantly learning, which is something I value.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love going to the Duke Sporting events. I love exploring downtown Durham and the Duke Gardens.