Biostatistics Results

Liying Chen, wearing glasses and a green parka, with a waterfall in the background at Yosemite National Park

Finding clarity in numbers and community

Liying Chen, MS ’20, PhD ’26

Michigan Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Liying Chen transforms clinical medicine experience into impactful public health research. Chen harnesses statistics, AI, and big data for cancer, mental health, and substance use, supported by a diverse community and renowned mentorship.

Justice Akuoko-Frimpong

Using data to improve health outcomes

Justice Akuoko-Frimpong, MS ’24

University of Michigan School of Public Health Biostatistics PhD student Justice Akuoko-Frimpong combines teaching excellence with impactful research. As a statistician on the CAPTURE study for COPD respiratory disease, he analyzes data to improve patient care while mentoring future public health professionals.

Nathan Szeto

Merging mathematics expertise with public health

Nathan Szeto, MS ’25

Nathan Szeto knows the power of numbers. As a Master of Science student in Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he’s found a way to combine his love for mathematics with his desire to help others. His persistence and curiosity led him to a field where he can make a significant impact.

Veera Baladandayuthapani

Guiding the future of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health

Veera Baladandayuthapani

For Veera Baladandayuthapani, his ascension to chair of the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is deeply rooted in his passion for public health.His career is highlighted by significant contributions to cancer research and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Soumik Purkayastha

Finding inspiration at the intersection of public health and data science

Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24

A native of India, Soumik Purkayastha, MS ’21, PhD ’24, first made a connection with the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2005 when he was in fourth grade. Now, Purkayastha will graduate in May with a PhD in Biostatistics from the Department of Biostatistics at Michigan Public Health. After graduation, Purkayastha will join the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Pittsburgh as an assistant professor in the fall.