Last summer, we welcomed 20 interns to teams across Population Data Science as part of our Summer Internship Programme. Seven months later, we caught up with them to see where they are now and what they’ve been up to since.
In this blog series, our interns share insights from their internships, showcasing the key lessons and skills they’ve gained, their accomplishments, and their future ambitions.
Jacob Hart
Project: Dementias Platform UK Data Portal Research Projects.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
I have greatly developed my Python skills and learned to use the SLURM workload manager and many other tools.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
Probably the independent research I conducted on determining the optimal truncation point for vine copulas, which was successful.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during/following your internship?
The main thing I would say- real-world data is messy!
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
It has confirmed that my plans to go into data science as a career were well placed.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Do it!
Jessica Wang
Project: UI Designer/Front End Developer.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
I learned how to balance creativity with accessibility and compliance in UX/UI design for research platforms. Collaborating with developers and stakeholders taught me the importance of clear communication and iterative design. I also strengthened my skills in responsive design and SEO integration.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
I’m proud to have created a draft homepage design that aligns with SeRP’s vision as a TRE builder. Seeing my design praised by the team was a rewarding moment, as it demonstrated the impact of thoughtful UX/UI in a data-driven context.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during/following your internship?
I now understand how UX/UI design impacts data accessibility and security in Population Data Science. My work showed me that good UX/UI design is essential for researchers to navigate complex datasets efficiently while maintaining compliance and trust.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
This internship confirmed my passion for designing interfaces that support complex, data-driven workflows. It inspired me to pursue roles in health tech and research platforms, where design directly contributes to scientific progress and user trust.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Be proactive and open to learning. This programme offers hands-on experience with real-world challenges in TRE development and data science. Engage with the team, ask questions, and embrace feedback—it’s a great opportunity to make meaningful contributions.
Plabata Guha
Project: Development of the Healthy Households Website.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
Over the course of my internship, I developed and sharpened my web development skills, which I believe are among the most sought-after technical skills in the field of computer science. Additionally, working as part of a team taught me valuable lessons in coordination, effective task management, and consistent deadline meeting.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
Every time I faced a technical problem and, after doing sufficient research or seeking guidance, was able to solve it, it gave me immense joy! And being able to reach the milestones I set for myself, and delivering the fully developed website on time despite the challenges I faced, made me feel really proud of myself.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during/following your internship?
Over the course of my internship, I learned how population data is stored, managed, and processed for crucial purposes in large organisations, and it has also deepened my interest in data science in general and I would love to explore further.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
I really enjoyed this internship, and as I have always been inclined towards a career in data science and data analytics, it has only made me more confident in my career and motivated me to pursue similar roles after graduation.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Definitely give it a go! You’ll learn a lot about population data science. You’ll also discover your strengths and identify areas for improvement. Also, it’s fun to meet many like-minded people and network with experienced professionals in the field. Moreover, everyone in the population data science department is really supportive, and they boost your confidence in so many ways. Above all, getting real-life work experience always makes a big difference in whatever you do in the future.
If you’re interested in applying for this year’s summer internship programme, visit: https://popdatasci.swan.ac.uk/about-us/summer-internship-programme/