I joined thinking I wanted to do one type of PhD but ended up doing a completely different one due to the flexibility that was provided in finding/forming a PhD during the masters year
Prior to joining SAMBa I did my MMath at the University of Exeter and graduated in 2017, with a few summer projects with UKHSA.
I completed my MRes+PhD with Prof McGrogan and Prof Bartlett in 2022, investigating the possible causal impact of Systemic Sclerosis on cancer, with an emphasis on prevalent cohorts (left-truncated data). From this I have a background in epidemiology, medical statistics and general statistical methodology. Over the course of my studies, I attended 5 ITTs with projects including with the Environment Agency, Willis Towers Watson and the Paraguayan government finance department.
The SAMBa environment, and the CDT structure as a whole, was greatly beneficial. The masters gave me a good grounding in higher statistical methods, machine learning and Python. I joined thinking I wanted to do one type of PhD but ended up doing a completely different one due to the flexibility that was provided in finding/forming a PhD during the masters year. The ITT structure with industry gave relevance to our research and allowed application to differing areas which we may not otherwise be exposed to. Having a cohort structure of similar themes simultaneously provided colleagues in similar areas who I could discuss my work with but sufficient breadth that I was exposed to different mathematical areas which gave me a better background as a mathematician. The structure of the CDT provided a good sense of inclusion between the students and academics, and a wider feel of community compared to a typical PhD/Supervisor dynamic.
I am currently the statistician within the Women’s Health Research Unit at Queen Mary University London, where I am working on a wide array of studies including clinical trials, meta-analysis and large data studies, using methods that I learned during the PhD. I am grateful to SAMBa for the exposure to differing research areas and examples of the link between university research and the wider community/industry.
(My supervisors) encouraged me to take my own research direction, guided by my interests, and to be involved in the wider community, presenting at and attending a wide range of national and international conferences
SAMBa offers high level training in statistical and applied mathematical disciplines, as well as direct engagement with industrial partners
I can't imagine studying for my PhD anywhere other than SAMBa
The ITTs can be really fun. The best part is that each time you participate you come out with a head full of new ideas and knowledge. Truly amazing
Being a part of SAMBa was a great way to broaden my research interests and to apply this knowledge to cross-displinary problems
You get a lot of freedom to choose your research area...and there is a wide range of research areas within the department from which to choose
My experience in SAMBa shaped me as a versatile researcher with the ability to use maths to make an impact.
I enjoyed the big portfolio of opportunities I was given, which I believe is an essential property of SAMBa and something which truly makes the programme worth it
SAMBa’s most remarkable feature is the variety of study options it offers
SAMBa provided a uniquely supportive yet challenging environment, in which one is encouraged to explore their interests and question their limits
