As a part of the Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics, participants are given a list of potential projects and choose the one that looks the most interesting to them.  They work as a biostatistician on the project and give a presentation on their findings at Biostatistics Iowa Summer Research Symposium.

The 2015 participants’ presentations are listed below along with their comments about the program.

Luis Villacis and Jansel Herrera

Presentation

Effect of Distraction and Alzheimer’s Disease in Simulated Driving Based on Four Methods of Data Reduction

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Luis Villacis

Great experience to learn about Biostatistics and to work on research with very knowledgeable staff.  I enjoyed guest lectures from alumni from the Department of Biostatistics.

Jansel Herrera

It was a good experience.   I wish to further develop my skills as a mathematician and computer scientist. We learned a lot of biostatistics and what is to be a biostatistician.  Also, in the meanwhile I enjoyed a lot and made friends that I’m never going to forget.

Alejandra Marie DeJesús-Soto, Kevin Quiñones-Ortiz and Stephanie Worobey

Presentation

An Analysis of Factors Related to Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, and Drug Use among Adolescents Based on the Iowa Youth Survey

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Alejandra Marie DeJesús-Soto

This summer experience helped me to find the career I want to pursue in the future. This program was an excellent way to connect with the biostatistics field. I shared unforgettable experiences with friends that had the same interests that I had, and I have gained a lot of knowledge as well.

Kevin Quiñones-Ortiz

It was interesting to be exposed to the field of Biostatistics. I enjoyed being shown new programming languages such as SAS.  I plan to further expand my knowledge in computer science and I believe this experience will add to my achievement of such a goal.

Stephanie Worobey

The ISIB program has been an invaluable learning experience for me for two reasons. First, it was my first experience doing research in Biostatistics, and having this real world experience made me confident that I have chosen the correct career path. Second, before coming to the University of Iowa I was not planning on attending grad school, and now I know for certain I will be applying for my master’s in biostatistics (and perhaps later on my PhD as well). I am extremely grateful that I was given this opportunity.

Anna Mennenga and Monica Ahrens

Presentation

The Consequences of Cluster Randomization in Phase III Clinical Trial Interim Analyses

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Anna Mennenga

The ISIB program was an overall wonderful experience. The program offers great exposure to what Biostatistics is, research, and what it is like to be a biostatistician. I really enjoyed getting the chance to meet people working in the field. I came into the program with an interest in Biostatistics and by the end of the program am confident in saying Biostatistics is the field I want to go into once I graduate. I highly recommend this program to anyone with an interest in mathematics, statistics, or biology.

Monica Ahrens

Participating in the Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics was a great experience that I would recommend to students interested in the fields of public health or math. I had a great time learning about biostatistics and all of the opportunities there are for biostatisticians who are working in the subject.

Michelle Londe and Eleanor Cotton

Presentation

PReclampsia Early Determination for Intervention, Cure, and Therapeutics by Vasopressin (PREDICTV) Study

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Eleanor Cotton

Before coming to ISIB, I didn’t really understand what being in the field of Biostatistics would be like. I have now learned so much about what to expect from graduate school and joining the work force, and absolutely cannot wait to start my journey to become a Biostatistician.

Michelle Londe

The entire summer was a great success. The whole program was hands-on and provided a solid foundation for biostatistics for those who have never encountered it. This program certainly refined the direction I want to take in my life and studies.

Katie Frank and Roberto Pérez

Presentation

An Examination of Factors Affecting Incidence and Survival in Respiratory Cancers

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Katie Frank

I had a great time learning about biostatistics in the ISIB program this summer. The ISIB program afforded me a clearer understanding of what biostatisticians do and the different opportunities available to them. The opportunity to work on a research project with a faculty member and one of my peers was new and exciting for me, and the experience allowed me to see the critical role biostatisticians play in scientific research. I am truly grateful for the experience this summer, and I definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in the real life applications of mathematics.

Roberto Pérez

This summer has been a completely illuminating and transcending experience. The program provides an excellent balance of academic research and classes. This enabled be to learn new statistical methods as they became needed in my research. It also provided me with a great introduction to the field of biostatistics.

Edel Sah, Lorena Cristal and Chelsea Robalino

Presentation

Platelet counts and their effect on patient outcomes with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

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Edel Sah

The Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics has been a great experience, and I have especially enjoyed working with Dr. Breheny for our project. I would strongly recommend this program to any students who would like to get a solid exposure to the field of biostatistics.

Lorena Cristal

This ISIB program is my first internship and my first time doing research.  It has motivated me to look for other Statistics opportunities. I’m extremely grateful for being part of this summer program, to learn more about Biostatistics. Through this experience I’ve met so many admirable people like TAs, professors, mentors and extraordinary friends.  I’ve enjoyed my time in Iowa City and I’m glad I applied to ISIB!

Chelsea Robalino

My experience in the ISIB program this summer was a great one. I was able to work with real data and understand what working as a biostatistician is like. I gained computing and analytical skills that will be valuable to me in my future studies and eventually, in my work. Also, I now have friends and mentors all over the country that I know I will keep in contact with.

Alexandra Stone and Jean C. Galan-Rivera

Presentation

Investigating Disease Epidemics through Simulation with a focus on Chikungunya in the Americas

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Alexandra Stone

The ISIB allowed me to apply my statistical and programming skills to the public health area and reinforced my goal in applying to a graduate program in biostatistics. The combination of lecture and hands-on work enabled me to strengthen my knowledge base as well as skills in programming. The final project also allowed me to apply the skills I learned and to work collaboratively.  I would recommend this program to anyone interested in biostatistics or any statistical area.

Jean C. Galan-Rivera

This program gave me a better understanding of the biostatistics field. It was a nice experience that motivated me to pursue graduate studies.  I am grateful for the experience.