BDSI Alumni Spotlight
Deesha Bhaumik, PhD
2017 BDSI Participant
Group: Electronic Health Records
Project: "A Time-To-Event Analysis of Heart Failure using Electronic Health Records"
- BA in Public Health Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 2018
- MS in Biostatistics, University of Michigan, 2020
- PhD in Epidemiology, University of Michigan, 2024
Where are they now?
After serving as a Policy Analyst fellow in the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association for two years from 2022 through August of 2024, Deesha is now a Senior Health Policy Analyst for the ADA. Using quantative and qualitative analysis, she leads research and advocacy projects focused on dental policy the Health Policy Institute.
How did BDSI help them get there?
"BDSI exposed me to all the different ways you can use statistics in various aspects of public health research. The skillset I learned at BDSI provided me with a foundation that made me eager to pursue a masters in Biostatistics. The most impactful part of the program was working with my undergraduate peers to do our own novel research using real data and utilizing statistical and computing skills we learned at BDSI. In my work in the research of dental policy in the US, I continue to use these skills that I first learned at BDSI. BDSI is the reason why I am an Epidemiologist with strong statistical skills, and I could not recommend the program more."
Jenna Bedrava, MS
2019 BDSI Participant
Group: Genomics
- BS in Mathematics, University of Toledo, 2020
- MS in Biostatistics (Health Data Science concentration), University of Michigan, 2022
Where are they now?
Since July 2023, Jenna has been working as a Statistician at Abbott Laboratories where she reviews the statistical validity of experimental protocols and data collection methods, and communicates with lab technicians to ensure experiments efficiently meet study objectives. She performs laboratory data analyses using R, adhering to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards and guidelines. Additionally, she validates external R packages and assist sin developing new package functions to streamline future analyses.
How did BDSI help them get there?
"The BDSI experience introduced me to countless truly fascinating areas in the field of biostatistics, solidifying my passion for the field and its universal goal of making the world a healthier place. I gained knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration to pursue a graduate degree in biostatistics and later, a career as a statistician at Abbott, where I work to ensure our diagnostic devices contribute to that universal goal. BDSI was my first ever research project, and diving into that experience with the community at Michigan shaped the critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration skills I use in my day to day work."
Monserrath Velez
2024 BDSI Participant
Group: Data Mining and Machine Learning for Electronic Health Records
- Current BA in Mathematical Sciences student, Kean University
Where are they now?
Since September 2024, Monserrath has participated in NASA’s L'SPACE Program as a Proposal Writer, collaborating on proposal development to address critical issues for NASA and refining her technical writing and teamwork skills. As an undergraduate at Kean University studying Mathematical Sciences, she is also engaged in the Research First Initiative, where she studies sympathetic resonance using Fourier Series analysis under Dr. Edward Farnum's mentorship, investigating the sound wave production and transformation of audio signals.
How did BDSI help them get there?
"Since attending BDSI and gaining both statistical and wide-ranging insights, I'm thrilled to say all those skills have helped me secure a role as a proposal writer for the NASA L'Space Program. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and hope it paves the way for a future NASA internship. "
Lucy Teed
2024 BDSI Participant
Group: Genomics
Project: "A causal survival analysis of receiving a transthoracic echocardiogram on
ICU patient length of stay"
- Current BS in Data Science student, University of Michigan
Where are they now?
Lucy Teed is a Data Science major with a minor in User Experience Design at the University of Michigan. Since December 2023, she has led the Michigan Undergraduate Students of Statistics (MUgSS) as President, following previous roles as Vice President and Head of Logistics, where she developed strong leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, she worked as a Biostatistics Research Assistant at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where she analyzed U.S. excess mortality trends using R, adapting methodologies and creating visualizations to contribute to public health research.
Recently, she and her BDSI group members presented their BDSI research at the MIT Undergraduate Research Techonology Conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass.
How did BDSI help them get there?
"Attending the conference was an incredible experience. My group had the opportunity to present our poster from BDSI in front of industry experts, healthcare professionals, and fellow undergraduate students from around the globe. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to reconnect with people from my cohort, attend various paper presentations, participate in workshops, and explore Boston together! This truly highlights the lasting impact of the connections we make through BDSI."