Haoyuan Wang is a second-year student in the Master of Biostatistics program. He is from Xuchang, Henan, China. Haoyuan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego, where he majored in Mathematics and Economics.
What first sparked your interest in biostatistics?
During my undergraduate studies, I participated in several seminars on biostatistics. I found using quantitative methods to research health-related problems incredibly interesting and meaningful.
What attracted you to the Master of Biostatistics program at Duke?
Duke has a large biostatistics department with excellent faculty, offering many opportunities to learn and research. I know an alum who speaks highly of the program. I also love the city of Durham; it's small and quiet, which makes it an ideal place for study and focus.
What do you enjoy most about this program?
There is a wide variety of classes offered here, and the faculty are approachable and supportive. The classmates are friendly and talented, creating a positive learning environment.
What are some of your favorite classes?
My favorite classes are Generalized Linear Model, and Reinforcement Learning.
What skills have you gained from the program?
I have developed strong communication skills, particularly in conveying scientific results to both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, I received theoretical training, which I found extremely valuable.
What does the program do well?
Creating a positive learning environment. Provided many opportunities for students to engage in exciting research topics.
What's the most challenging aspect of the program?
It depends on the person, but I would say workload. I participated in multiple projects. At times, it could be challenging and a bit stressful, but overall, I enjoyed the process and the knowledge I gained.
Did you participate in a summer internship?
I spent my summer doing research with faculty in the department.
What type of work did you do for your internship?
I was working on a manuscript about fairness metrics, and I was also helping to curate dataset for cardiovascular disease research projects.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
I believe it is very beneficial to develop strong communication skills, which can be achieved by actively participating in discussions with peers and presenting your ideas. I often gain valuable insights from discussing my research with fellow students. I also think taking breaks is essential—playing sports in my free time helps me stay focused.
What type of work do you see yourself doing in the future?
I plan to apply for a PhD, and after completing it, I aim to work as a health data scientist, focusing on developing and validating risk prediction models.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy basketball, badminton, cooking, and relaxing at an outdoor seat in coffee shops in the morning.