As a part of the Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics, participants have selected their top choices among 8 research projects available to them. They were matched in groups of 2-3 and assigned to a faculty mentor with whom they conduct an extensive research. Their work and findings were presented at the 2024 Iowa Summer Research Symposium.

The 2024 participants’ presentations are listed below along with their comments about the program.

Laila Butler-Mills and Jeffrey Wang

Presentation

Predicting Antibiotics Usage for Improved Healthcare-Associated Infection Risk Assessment 

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Laila Butler-Mills: “I absolutely loved ISIB. It helped me to understand all of the career opportunities that are available after pursuing a graduate degree in Biostatistics. I learned a lot about research methods and real world data and I am now very excited to pursue a graduate degree in Biostatistics.”

Jeffrey Wang: “Overall, I thought that this was a decent experience, and I very much appreciated the opportunity to learn more about both graduate school and the field of biostatistics. The advice that I received from professors and current graduate students was invaluable for someone who’s unsure of their future direction yet must apply to grad school in less than half a year (me).”

Lauryn Holmes, Heather Leek and Aili Toyli

Presentation

Mapping Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Iowa

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Lauryn Holmes: “I enjoyed talking to different professors and graduate students. I also loved the events the graduate students put on for us. The research experience was also enjoyable. I would have liked to start the research part a little bit earlier than the last 4 weeks, so things are not as rushed. Overall, I loved my experience here and glad to have picked this program.”

Heather Leek: “ISIB was a program I’ll never forget. I got to meet some wonderful staff at the University of Iowa as well as peers that helped me to explore the biostatistics field. Everyone at Iowa was super welcoming and I learned so much about the applications of biostatistics in fields I had never been exposed to before.“

Aili Toyli:  “ISIB was an amazing experience! The presentations about and hands-on experience research in different topics in biostatistics solidified my interest in a future degree and career in the field. It was also an incredible opportunity to make friends with students with similar interests from around the country. So grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program!”

Archana Delos Reyes and Madelyn Popp

Presentation

Factors Influencing Post-Resuscitation Survival and Neurologic Function for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest 

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Archana Delos Reyes: “I truly enjoyed my ISIB experience and have grown attached to the community the College of Public Health has built here. All the lessons and people I have met here have given me great insight and has helped me consider what I want to do in the future. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and recommend anyone who has the chance to apply to the UI Biostatistics summer program.”

Madelyn Popp: “The Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics provided me with more than just an introduction to statistical methods and applied research in the field; it helped me build confidence in my work and taught me about potential paths I can take to pursue a fulfilling career. Constantly surrounded by accomplished peers and committed mentors, I was challenged intellectually but never once felt out of place.”

Keira Du, Gregory Forsberg and Neon Zheng

Radionuclide Therapy and Immortal Time Bias in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors

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Keira Du: “ISIB introduced me to the various career opportunities in Biostatistics. I had an amazing time working with the Biostatistics faculty and my peers! Additionally, I gained valuable experience in applying my knowledge to real-word situations.”

Neon Zheng: “I really enjoyed my time here, especially meeting other people interested in a similar field of statistics. I’ve learned a lot about statistics, and the project was a nice way to branch out from the material that we learned in the first 3 weeks of the program.”

Morgan Fiebig, Riya Singh and Ella Sukup

Exploring Electrodermal Activity Through Genetic Algorithms as a Proxy for Engagement in Learning Activities

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Morgan Fiebig:  “The program was important in helping me to further explore what I could do with my quantitative skills beyond studying theoretical mathematics. I want a career where I am solving real world problems where there is variety day-to-day, and where I get to learn new things. Given my desires for a future career and my existing skill set, my time at ISIB has helped me assess whether or not Biostatistics is a field I can see myself pursuing after graduation.”
Riya Singh:  “This program was an amazing experience to get a glimpse into the field of biostatistics. I enjoyed being able to get first-hand experience in biostatistical research and working alongside my mentor and groupmates. I feel better equipped in pursuing a career within biostatistics.”

Ella Sukup: “ISIB has affirmed my previously only budding interest in Biostatistics. ISIB does a fantastic job of first providing a window through which undergraduates glimpse into what a future in biostatistics may look like through introductory coursework, advice from career biostatisticians and research experience.“

Michael Hagerty, Hannah Wellens and Kalkidan Weldearegay

Presentation

Burnout Among Servicemen: A Case of the Russian-Ukraine War

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Michael Hagerty: “The experience at ISIB was very helpful in giving students exposure to the field of biostatistics. There were multiple guest speakers who work in a wide range of fields who gave us valuable insight about career opportunities in biostatistics. I’ve had a fantastic time working with faculty, meeting new friends, and exploring Iowa City. “

Hannah Wellens: “I had an amazing time at ISIB. I learned a LOT, I was challenged, and I formed lasting friendships.”

Kalkidan Weldearegay: “I really enjoyed my time in the ISIB program. It changed my perspective of biostatistics and learning how to imply it on real-life projects. It was a great experience working with the professors and the faculty. I loved learning how to use R software, doing research, and making memories with the staff and students.”