M.S. 2015; DrPh 2021 Career: Assistant Professor of Medicine, Jackson Heart Study, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. (Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; 2021-2023)
Education:
- DrPH, Concentration: Biostatistics (2021), University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Dissertation Title: Mental Health and Chronic Disease Management: Examining the Association Between Depression and Multiple Sclerosis Outcomes - MS, Applied Mathematics (2015), University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- BS, Mathematics (2013), University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- BA, Music (2008), University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
How did you decide to pursue a degree in mathematics at UAB and why?
Before I graduated high school, I knew I would study music. My mom, a UAB Nursing alum, noticed that I was good in math so she encouraged me to study mathematics as well. I took her advice and I earned a bachelor of arts degree in music and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics.
What was your experience with UAB Mathematics?
The UAB Mathematics Department is replete with influential professors who helped cultivate my understanding and love of mathematics. Of all the courses I took, the calculus sequence was the most interesting. These courses helped me hone the skills I needed to solve applied problems and motivated me to pursue a master of science degree in applied mathematics and a terminal degree concentrated in biostatistics.
What are the advantages of having a degree in Mathematics?
Having 2 mathematics degrees gave me the confidence and skills I needed to pursue and eventually realize my dream of having a career in academia.
How are you using your math background in your current job/career?
I knew I wanted to work in a dynamic field where I could use my problem-solving and critical thinking skillset to answer public-health questions. So, I decided to pursue a doctorate in public health with a concentration in biostatistics. Biostatistics deals with the application of statistical methods to health-related data. Biostatisticians connect data with statistics to answer public health questions like: How do healthcare providers choose which types of treatments to offer patients with cardiovascular disease? Or Does treatment A work better than treatment B for patients with heart failure? In general, biostatistics are used as evidence for public health practice, policy, and research.
As an Assistant Professor, I provide statistical expertise in study design, methodology, and analysis, including database infrastructure management in the Jackson Heart Study. My research interests broadly center around personal well-being, including psychological, physical, and cardiovascular outcomes with emphasis on the influence of social determinants of health and chronic diseases in various populations. I use my mathematics background regularly when interpreting analysis results, contextualizing complex data collection processes, and drafting statistical analysis plans for new research projects.
What are the things you wished you knew as an undergraduate mathematics major or as a graduate student?
You don’t have to be a genius to be good at math, but you do have to work hard. Unexpected setbacks and circumstances are inevitable, but hard work and perseverance yield big returns in the long run. I wish I had known earlier about the endless academic and career opportunities available to students with a mathematics background. This information would have helped me choose a career in biostatistics much sooner.
What advice would you give UAB undergraduate students?
I encourage both undergraduate and graduate students to attend mathematics conferences and workshops and network with others in the field. These interactions are invaluable as they have the potential to lead to mentorship, academic, career, and other opportunities.