What were you doing before joining the Centre?
I completed my bachelor’s degree at Public Health in Peking University, followed by MSc degree at Epidemiology at Imperial. Also, I worked as a research assistant in the George Institute for Global Health before joining the Centre.

Why did you choose the Centre and how did involvement with the Centre contribute to your project?
I chose the Centre because it aligned with my interests in environmental health, biostatistics and multidisciplinary research. The Centre offers me opportunities to learn and work on environmental epidemiology, biostatistics, and machine learning, combining both theoretical and fieldwork aspects. Additionally, the Centre’s active collaboration with leading scientists provides numerous opportunities to participate in exciting projects, significantly contributing to the advancement of my research.

What do you enjoy most about your day to day work and the people you work with?
What I enjoy most about my day-to-day work is the opportunity to collaborate with my supervisors and experts from diverse research areas. It is an honour to learn from such knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Despite the daily challenges, the process is incredibly exciting. My colleagues also actively foster a positive and supportive environment, which greatly enhances the overall experience.

What are your plans after graduating?
My current focus is on completing my PhD project. After graduating, I plan to continue my research in environmental health and biostatics within academia.

What opportunities have you benefitted from outside your PhD?
I have benefitted from attending Imperial public events, where I networked with professionals. MRC and Imperial also provide many chances for internships and student jobs which allow me to apply my research in real-world settings and collaborate with colleagues and students who share similar interests.

Do you have any tips for future MRC Centre Studentship applicants?
Before applying for the studentship, identify your true interests to ensure they will sustain your motivation throughout the PhD process. It’s beneficial to contact potential supervisors to discuss possible projects and determine if they are a good fit for you. Stay healthy and maintain your confidence! Once you receive an offer and become a PhD student at the MRC Centre, take full advantage of the resources and opportunities provided by Imperial and the Centre, including classes, conferences, and training sessions.