As a data scientist, I derive honest enjoyment in going beyond the barriers posed by our assumptions and using data as a starting point for exploration and problem solving. I have spent the last two years formally learning this approach and, in the process, graduated Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Surrey.
It is during this time that I found inspiration among like-minded peers who shared my passion for applying data science in healthcare. Together, we trained machine learning algorithms on behavioural risk factors data to determine an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Through this project, I witnessed the potential of data to save lives. However, I also became keenly aware of the biases that can be introduced during the analysis.
I’m eager to transition this experience into real-world projects addressing bias and its impact on underrepresented backgrounds during my internship under the guidance and mentorship of LSHTM.