2016 ISIB Participant Presentations and Feedback
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 the Biostatistics 2016 Iowa Summer Research Symposium.
The 2016 participants’ presentations are listed below along with their comments about the program.
Mario Ochoa and Michelle Weitz
Presentation
Modeling the Potential Range of the Zika Virus Vector Aedes aegypti
Feedback
Mario Ochoa: “The ISIB program gave me the opportunity to develop my research skills and English speaking skills. This is the best summer I have ever had. I was able to meet people from different places, giving me the chance to grow as a person. Totally a family atmosphere.”
Michelle Weitz: “ISIB has been an invaluable experience for me and definitely a catalyst for future studies in the area of biostatistics. I enjoyed every part of the program- from class and lab, to guest speakers and group activities. I would highly recommend this program as a great learning experience and a chance to do real-world biostatistics research to anyone with an interest in mathematics or statistics.”
Elliot Burghardt and Daren Kuwaye
Presentation
Medical Imaging for Lung Cancer Detection Testing Statistical Models to Improve Screening
Feedback
Elliot Burghardt: “Through ISIB, I gained confidence in my decision to pursue graduate studies in biostatistics. By providing a foundation in statistics and programming as well as an opportunity to apply that newfound knowledge to a collaborative research problem, ISIB allowed me to immerse myself in the world of biostatistics and discover the prospects that a graduate degree in the field provides.”
Daren Kuwaye: “This is an awesome program. The faculty and staff does an excellent job planning field trips and guest speakers for us to learn about careers for biostatisticians. To top it all off, we work with a faculty mentor on a project and apply methods that they use in their various fields.”
Ariana Cavazos and Rebecca Rasnick
Presentation
Association Between Initial Treatments and Subsequent Primaries in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients
Feedback
Ariana Cavazos: “This summer has been an amazing experience for me. Biostatistics was a mystery to me before this summer, but the wonderful mentors and graduate students made it very exciting. I now hope to pursue my interest in statistics/biostatistics!”
Rebecca Rasnick: “This summer was a lot of fun. I got to make new friends from like-minded people, had the experience of exploring a new city, and got to go to a wonderful institute with great faculty. Overall, I would recommend this program to others who are interested in Biostatistics.”
Alyssa Bellomo and Dorcas Washington
Presentation
Feedback
Alyssa Bellomo: “Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at ISIB. Coming into the program, I was very anxious about the coding aspect of the program; however, the supportive atmosphere of the program—including all of the faculty and fellow students—helped progress my learning immensely, and I feel a lot more confident in my biostatistics knowledge.”
Dorcas Washington: “Although I was unsure of what to expect at ISIB, this summer has been phenomenal. I’ve enhanced my research and communication skills, while learning and living with others who are truly interested in similar fields. I am leaving the University of Iowa with more than just academic knowledge but also career and post-graduate advice, mentor and peer connections and a better understanding of what I want for my future.”
J. Rueben Bautista
Presentation
Predictive Modeling for Student Retention
Feedback
“My experience at the Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics was a fantastic learning experience and a great introduction into the world of biostatistics. The course was structured in a way where the information was presented in a quick, but not overwhelming fashion. In addition, being exposed to statistical research was very rewarding and it definitely gave me a better idea of what biostatisticians do.”
Joseph Alamo and Senan Agblonon
Presentation
Predicting Crop Damage by Vervet Monkeys on St. Kitts
Feedback
Joseph Alamo: “ISIB has been a great experience for me. I have been able to connect with many different students in the program and develop a better understanding of how graduate school functions. Everyone involved in the ISIB program is very accommodating and willing to give you the exposure you need to decide if biostatistics is the right choice for you.”
Senan Agblonon: “What a great summer! The ISIB program was an amazing experience. I had a wonderful time learning about the field of biostatistics. Graduate students and faculty members were very nice and ready to help whenever you knock on their doors. It is definitely a “must- attend” program!”
Justin DeMonte and Elise Northrop
Presentation
An Analysis of Risk Factors for Teen Dating Violence
Feedback
Justin Demonte: “I entered ISIB with little knowledge of biostatistics but a strong desire to explore the field. In the last seven weeks I collaborated with many amazing students, I met statisticians whose work has impacted public policy, and I was exposed to several career paths in biostatistics. Overall, I had a fantastic experience, and I am grateful to the ISIB faculty and graduate students for their generosity and continued support.”
Elise Northrop: “ISIB has been an incredible learning experience. I was given the opportunity to learn the basic methods, conduct first-hand research, and meet brilliant faculty members and speakers. I discovered that Biostatistics is my calling and cannot wait for what graduate school and my future career has to offer.”
Cicely Krebill and Maia Adar
Presentation
Genetic Risk Factors for Complications Due to Arrhythmia
Feedback
Cicely Krebill: “The ISIB program helped me gain insight into what aspects of population-based research I am interested in. It also introduced me to the many different career opportunities that biostatisticians have.”
Maia Adar: “I’m so thankful that I got to participate in ISIB, and I cannot think of a better way to have spent the summer. My favorite aspect of the program was the research project because I got to explore some real data and work with a wonderful mentor and project partner. I also loved getting to know my fellow ISIB students who came from all over the country.”
Helin Hernandez and Charimhel Rarallo
Presentation
An Evaluation of Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Iowa Newborns
Feedback
Helin Hernandez: “Being part of the ISIB program allowed me to experience what a career in Biostatistics would be like and it informed me on the many possible opportunities this career field has to offer. This program also exposed me to a different academic and social environment than what I grew up with in Los Angeles, California. It is because of this program that I am now considering pursuing a career in Biostatistics and am inclined to pursue graduate school outside of my home state of California.”
Charimhel Rarallo: “This was my first time in a summer program, living in dorms, flying to the Mid-West, and being exposed to biostatistics. The classes, faculty, fieldtrips, and research project was a great way for me to understand what a career in biostatistics is like. I have learned a lot about biostatisticians and I have also made lots of friends from many different ethnic backgrounds on this journey.”
Benjamin Jacobs and Kelvin Ausby
Presentation
Does the CPAP Machine Improve the Amount of Sleep for People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Feedback
Benjamin Jacobs: “The class was well paced and I learned new statistical things. I got a good feel for what Biostatistics is like as a profession.”
Kelvin Ausby: “I received a lot of information about what it means to be a biostatistician and the route it’ll take to become one. Being here really fortified why getting into statistical mathematics would be a great option for me. When I apply for graduate study, the University of Iowa would be in my top 5 of consideration.”