Brandyn Ruiz: Journey Through the MS in Public Health Data Science

Hi, my name is Brandyn, and I'm excited to share my story as an alumnus of the Public Health Data Science program at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Current Role

I currently work as a Programmer Analyst for the Southern California Clinical Translational Science Institute. In this role, I focus on identifying social determinants of health within databases, ensuring that researchers have a solid understanding of their data sets and patient populations.

Why Public Health Data Science?

My passion for public health data science stems from its unique blend of:

Statistical computing
Biostatistics research
An emphasis on computer science

I chose USC for its extensive resources, strong alumni network, and renowned faculty members who lead groundbreaking research. The ability to tailor my experiences according to my interests was a major plus.

Academic Experience

My academic journey included a variety of courses that integrated computer science and statistics within the realm of public health. The interactions I had with faculty on campus were incredibly positive. They were always open to conversations, and by effectively communicating my experiences and interests, I found that they were willing to guide me towards additional resources and connections with other professors.

Key Skills Developed

Some of the essential skills I developed during my studies include:

Biostatistics modeling
Regression analysis
Effectively communicating results to a lay audience

What I love most about the research I’m involved in is that it has a genuine impact on people's lives. I take pride in knowing that my contributions assist in furthering important research initiatives.

Highlights of the Program

One of the standout moments of my time in the program was participating in Dr. Trevor Pickering's summer course. This unique opportunity allowed me to work as an intern with clinical researchers at CTSI, where we:

Analyzed their research questions
Compiled our findings into detailed reports
Guided them through a comprehensive data analysis process, from start to finish
Communicated our results and presented them back to the researchers

This hands-on experience was invaluable and helped solidify my skills in data analysis and presentation.

Conclusion

My journey through the MS in Public Health Data Science program at USC has been transformative. I’m proud to be a part of a field that not only challenges me intellectually but also allows me to make a real difference in public health research. If you're considering a similar path, I highly encourage you to embrace the opportunities available to you!