Meet Shujie Chen, Biostatistics Champion

Part of the power of Bayesian statistics is that it allows understanding of a problem to change as new information emerges. In her work focusing on Bayesian variable selection analysis, biostatistics doctoral student Shujie Chen aims to take full advantage of that power to develop solutions to real-world public health problems.

I completed my undergraduate degree in statistics in China and master’s degree in statistics in the United States. I’m currently a PhD student in biostatistics at UB and have finished two years of my PhD study here. I am doing my research about Bayesian methods with Professor Jihnhee Yu.

I am currently working on Bayesian variable selection analysis, focusing on developing the methodology and applying it to real datasets that align with the model assumptions. At this stage, I am still in the development phase, but I hope the method will ultimately perform well with real data.

I think biostatistics is meaningful to improve public health by applying knowledge in statistics. It provides a scientific and quantitative foundation for addressing many public health problems. The Biostatistics program aligns with my career goals, such as working in the pharmaceutical industry or addressing health-related research questions in academia.

The Biostatistics PhD program here is both rigorous and diverse. It provides a strong theoretical foundation along with a variety of applied courses, such as Statistical Analysis System programming, linear models and specialized topics in areas like bioinformatics. I think the most important aspect of the program is my regular meetings with my advisor, Professor Yu. She listens to me attentively and provides thoughtful feedback and guidance, which has helped me improve both my communication skills and critical thinking through our research collaboration.

If you have an interest in statistics or statistics application, and you’re interested in improving health, it is great to have a degree in biostatistics.

In addition to the professional growth I’ve achieved at the School of Public Health and Health Professions, the training I received and my life in Buffalo have also helped me develop personally, making me more confident and mature in my daily life.

I’d like them to see me as someone who is interested in applying biostatistics knowledge to solve real-world problems.