INDS B.S.: Biostatistics
Spring 2025 Capstone
My INDS Degree
My individualized degree in biostatistics will primarily incorporate biology, public health, sociology, and statistics. Biology will build a foundation of understanding human genomes , which is essential for interpreting health data and key biological factors contributing to health disparities. Additionally, a focus on genetics and ecology/evolution will provide insights into health conditions and diagnostic outcomes dependent on an individual’s genetic makeup. Statistics courses like biostatistics and applied statistics will teach me data analysis, research and clinical designs, and statistical software needed to decipher health data in the workforce. Public health, sociology, and philosophy courses will help me explore health disparities from a minor to a global impact. Furthermore, it can establish better understanding of race theory, ethics and social/health equity that will provide a stronger understanding of why these factors can correlate with health. Through the disciplines’ combination, I will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to address biological, social, and ethical dimensions of health within the field of biostatistics.
Degree Mentors
- Michael Malschuetsky, Centre for Teaching Development and Innovation (ZIEL)
- Li Cheung, National Cancer Institute
- Jodi Kelber-Kaye, Associate Director UMBC Honors College
- Steven McAlpine, Individualized Study
Post Graduation Plans
After this planned degree, I plan on pursuing a master’s degree in biostatistics, then matriculating to a PhD if desired upon my master’s completion. With my focus on health, agencies like the NIH, CDC, and others engaged in statistical health research will give me great opportunities for me in the biostatistics workforce, as they construct a diverse realm of public health relations. With my commitment to addressing health disparities, I aim to promote health equity with statistical methods, creating a path towards health solutions for a more sustainable life for everyone.
Courses In My INDS Degree
✅ Statistics: Build ground knowledge in advanced statistical and mathematical methods to have applied skills in analysis, theory, and problem solving. Within these Stat classes, I will also gain additional knowledge computing softwares like SAS and R that will help gain expertise in coding.
(MATH 221, 251, STAT 350, 417, 419, 454, 455)
✅ Sociology: Gain insights of ethical considerations, sociological dynamics, and biological foundations that are pivotal for health studies and research within the field of Health. Multivarious health inquires can contribute valuable insights to advancing population health and reducing health inequities through data-driven approaches and evidence-based interventions.
(BIOL 251, 302, SOCY 321, PBHL 350, STAT 419, PHIL 359)
✅ Methodology: Cultivate research skills through the application of different health and ethical methodologies by drawing on diverse disciplinary insights, enabling the design of more robust studies, improved data quality, and enhanced validity of findings. Overall, I will be better equipped to develop and evaluate health interventions, analyzing complex data within a broader social and ethical context to ensure that interventions are both effective and equitable.
(SOCY 205, STAT 350, PBHL 420, PHIL 359 )
✅ Individualized Study: Explore individualized studies to gain multifaceted perspectives:
(INDS 330, 335, 410, 480, 490)