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Hannah?Fairbanks MSc Statistics with Applications in Medicine,?2009
Statistician - Statistical Services Centre, University of Reading
Hi, I'm Hannah Fairbanks and I studied MSc Statistics with Applications in Medicine within Mathematical Sciences at the University of 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏,.
One thing you must never forget is to enjoy your studies. Don’t forget the reason why you chose mathematics; it should interest and motivate you. Turning up to lectures shouldn’t be a chore.
What are your main responsibilities and duties in your current role?
I provide statistical training and support for the crop research projects that we work with in Africa through the McKnight Foundation, and for the survey work carried out by CCAFS (Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security) in Africa and India.
I also produce analytical reports, applying a broad range of statistical techniques on data from various disciplines including biological data, food supplement data and rainfall data.
In addition to this I also support the university’s teaching programme. I lecture to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as delivering short statistics courses to external customers in levels ranging from GCSE to post MSc.
What have been the key moments so far in your career?
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our colleagues on the McKnight Foundation crop research projects as this has given me to opportunity to travel extensively in Africa and work with such a diverse group of people. For example in my current project, for which I am responsible and included my last solo trip to Africa, I spent time finalising contract details, organising work for colleagues to contribute, as well as planning all of the analysis.
What advice would you give current and prospective students who desire a similar career to yours?
Firstly and most importantly, work hard – the difference in one grade at university could be the difference between being invited for an interview and not, and probably the starting wage you are offered!
Secondly, even though it can be hard to find the time, spend time on your CV. There are loads of resources available within 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏,’s Careers and Employability Service; they will help you build a strong CV.
One thing you must never forget is to enjoy your studies. Don’t forget the reason why you chose mathematics; it should interest and motivate you. Turning up to lectures shouldn’t be a chore.
What led you to study your MSc at 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏,?
My lecturer at Plymouth, where I did my BSc, recommended 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏, as the best place for statistics MScs. I also like the location of 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏,; 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏, was near to home for me and by the sea.
Is mathematics directly relevant in your job?
Statistics is my whole job – from basic statistics training for others, to complex post MSc level analysis for our consultancy work. I’m doing stats at least 5 hours every day.
Would you recommend an MSc in Statistics from 网络彩票APP下载_澳客彩票网-官方游戏,?
I would recommend the MSc in Statistics with Applications in Medicine to anyone considering studying statistics – it opens up so many more job opportunities than I would have had with just a degree. More importantly it was also interesting and challenging; I felt I’d accomplished something really worthwhile on submitting my dissertation.