PHD Biostatistics Personal Purpose Statement Examples

PHD Biostatistics Personal Purpose Statement Examples

From my earliest arithmetic lessons, I was captivated by numbers. While others found it challenging, I noticed patterns, possibilities, and even beauty. In middle school in China, I won second prize in the National Mathematical Competition, which greatly boosted my confidence and set me on my path. However, in China, teachers view an answer as either right or wrong, with no room for a middle ground. This approach can be discouraging, and my passion for mathematics began to wane.

When I moved to the US in 2010 to pursue an MBA in Finance, I was surprised to encounter math teachers who might commend an incorrect answer because the student's approach was 'interesting' or 'impressive.' This restored my confidence and rekindled my interest and love for mathematics.

In my second year in the US, I decided to become a mathematician. I attended a college in New York to complete some undergraduate-level math courses and then enrolled at XXXX University as a graduate student in mathematics.

My interest in Statistics developed while studying Mathematical Statistics under Professor XXXX. I joined the American Statistical Association and began reading extensively on the subject. I realized the vast practical applications of statistics, especially in health, which sparked a desire to become an expert in the field. I have always wanted to make a difference rather than just earn a living. I see acquiring knowledge and skills in biostatistics as a way to apply my natural talents to make a significant and positive impact in the world.

I aim to gain the skills and knowledge to become an expert biostatistician by pursuing a PhD in Biostatistics at XXXX University. My long-term goal is to establish my own consultancy, offering expert guidance to governments, NGOs, or major health sector organizations. This specialty is not well known or appreciated in China, and I hope to help change that by spreading knowledge and understanding of biostatistics and assisting in training newcomers to the field. This would contribute to improving healthcare in China.

I recognize that there is an ethical aspect to Statistics and especially Biostatistics. I view Statistics as a 'weapon' that can be used for good or ill. A government official's or boardroom's entrenched view can heavily influence outcomes if they manipulate survey questions or sample selection. A statistician must strive to be an independent, objective truth-seeker, rather than a tool to 'prove' falsehoods, irrespective of vested interests.

I have substantial research experience and am particularly interested in researching Hepatitis B. This condition affects approximately 350 million people globally and is prevalent in China, where one in ten people are carriers and often face social exclusion. In future research, I plan to design experiments to evaluate how favorable conditions, such as yoga and a healthy diet, and adverse conditions, like smoking and alcohol, affect the survival rate of chronic Hepatitis B carriers. Additionally, I hope to participate in clinical trial analysis for potential treatments of chronic Hepatitis B. Recently, Arrowhead Research has been developing ARC-520, a drug candidate with potential for treating chronic Hepatitis B, currently in phase II. Clinical Trial Analysis will be crucial in assessing new treatment regimes' efficacy. The two statistical methodologies that interest me most are statistical computing and stochastic modeling. I intend to focus on enhancing my statistical skills in these areas and building a strong foundation in other statistical methodologies during my PhD studies.

In the summer of 2015, I began working on my thesis on developing a new data classification technique under Professor XXXX's supervision. Our goal is to create a new non-linear method for combining multiple classifiers using a kernel function. This project builds on the paper "A Simple Method for Combining Estimates to Improve Overall Error Rates in Classification" by Professor XXXX and Professor XXXX. It has been a fascinating project and has taught me many valuable lessons.

I have enjoyed studying and socializing with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. I relate well to others and am always eager to share information about my culture while being intrigued by others. I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. I have visited South Korea and New Zealand and traveled extensively within the US. I am comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

My teaching experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has demanded excellent communication and planning skills and has provided valuable learning opportunities when addressing unexpected and interesting questions from students, requiring thought and research. Sharing my enthusiasm for my subject and encouraging others has been a particularly satisfying aspect of my career. My choice of this program is based on the prestigious faculty, ongoing research, state-of-the-art facilities, and the success of program graduates. I look forward to working in a challenging yet supportive academic environment.

My academic success to date demonstrates my diligence, intelligence, and potential for further academic achievement. I have a solid foundation in statistical methods, excellent programming skills, and significant research experience. My business studies are also relevant and will enable me to contribute by sharing developments in a related field.

I am an excellent candidate and commit to applying myself enthusiastically and diligently to my work in the program.

Thank you for considering my application.

PHD Biostatistics Personal Purpose Statement Examples