This fall, the Duke Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics welcomed a new cohort of PhD students in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Hailing from across the globe, these scholars bring impressive academic backgrounds, a passion for translational research, and a wide range of personal interests, from anime and marathons to K-pop and cooking.
Yichen Huang, from Shanghai, China, received a bachelor’s in biochemistry and mathematics from Brandeis University and a master’s in computational biology and quantitative genetics from Harvard. A combination of world-class research in biology and medicine combined with a collaborative atmosphere attracted him to Duke. “What really made Duke stand out to me was how supportive and responsive the faculty and staff have been — it feels like a community that genuinely cares about its students,” he said. Outside the lab, he likes traveling, watching movies, playing PC games, and cooking.
Xiaohui Jiang is from Yantai, China, and received a bachelor’s in information and computing science from Fudan University and a master’s in biostatistics from Duke University. “I was attracted by the outstanding faculty, abundant collaboration opportunities, and strong research resources at Duke,” Jiang said. In her free time, she likes watching anime.
Fengnan Li is from Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China. He earned a bachelor’s in data science from Duke Kunshan University as well as a master’s of biostatistics from Duke University. “My long-standing affiliation with Duke since my undergraduate years has given me a strong sense of connection to its academic community,” he said. “I’ve always been inspired by Duke’s vibrant research environment in AI for health.” During his master’s studies, mentorship from Duke professors cemented his decision to continue his academic journey at Duke. In his free time, Li’s interests include Sid Meier's Civilization VI, soccer, badminton, and K-pop.
Julia Louw is from Trumbull, Connecticut and received a bachelor’s in applied mathematics and a bachelor’s in economics with a chemistry minor, all from UNC-Chapel Hill. She attended Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences where she received a master’s degree in computational biology. She was attracted to Duke for its many opportunities to engage in translational research with direct clinical applications. In her free time, she likes to run and hike. “I’m currently training for my second marathon,” she said.
Tom Pan is from Toronto, Canada, and earned a bachelor’s in biology and a bachelor’s in statistics, as well as a master’s in bioengineering, all from the University of Pennsylvania. He was drawn to Duke’s Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics for its strong advising potential and collaborative research environment. “ Most importantly, everyone I met at Duke was supportive and welcoming,” he said. Outside the lab, he enjoys going to the gym and cooking.