This summer, we welcomed 16 talented interns to our Population Data Science team. As their internships come to an end, we invited them to share their experiences.
In this blog series, our interns will reflect on their time with us, discussing the key lessons and skills they have gained, their accomplishments, and their future goals.
Name: Anahita Zamanidehkordi
Line Manager & Mentor: Mike Edwards & James Kemmery
Project title: Data Linkage: Threshold Localization through Match Weight Analysis.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
I’ve gained practical experience in data linkage, particularly using probabilistic methods and tools like SPLINK. I also enhanced my problem-solving skills, especially in handling unlabelled data, and learned how to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
I’m especially proud of developing a novel approach to threshold selection using match weight variance analysis. This method showed promise in improving data linkage accuracy, and it was rewarding to see how my work could directly impact research outcomes.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
My understanding of Population Data Science has deepened significantly. I now appreciate the importance of data quality and the complexities involved in linking large datasets. I’ve also learned how critical these processes are for informing public health policies and improving services.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
This internship has reinforced my interest in data science, particularly in the public health domain. It has inspired me to pursue a career that focuses on using data to solve real-world problems and contribute to meaningful societal outcomes.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Be curious and proactive. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects, so take initiative, ask questions, and embrace challenges. The experience and skills you gain here will be invaluable for your future career in data science.
Name: Constantinos Constantinides
Line Manager & Mentor: Hoda Abbasizanjani & Stuart Bedston
Project title: A Reproducible and Validated Population Denominator for Wales.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
I have learnt about efficient code/programming as well as the importance of time management and letting things go when it’s really needed.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
Leaving a solid piece of work behind (regardless of how big or small) that someone else can build upon in the future.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
I have gained practical insight into working with population-scale administrative data, including knowledge of potential challenges and solutions.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
The internship has encouraged me to seriously consider whether I should pursue a career in health data science or look for another career path using a different set of skills.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Do not hesitate to apply if you are looking to gain hands-on experience in data science for health-related research.
Name: Issie Hazell
Line Manager & Mentor: Athena Sheppard & Rowena Bailey
Project title: An Overview of Systematic Reviews to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Persistent Pain Management Services.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
My internship helped me learn a lot. The main thing I learned was to have more confidence in myself. I found a few aspects of my project more difficult than I thought I would, but I managed to deal with them well. I have also learned things such as how to develop a protocol and data extraction form, which will help me with future research.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
I have always been extremely nervous with any presenting or public speaking. I was unable to make the intern showcase, so I presented my research to some of the rest of my team instead. I had been nervous about presenting at the showcase since the first day of my internship, so I’m proud that I managed to do it, even when I had an excuse not to!
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
I have realised how broad Population Data Science is. It is a lot more than just looking at loads of numbers. There are a lot of different roles within population data science, so there is a lot of opportunity to use your best skills, as well as learn new ones through working alongside a range of other researchers.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
My career plans have stayed the same throughout my internship, but my internship has made me sure that health research is what I want to do. The internship has helped me strengthen and develop skills, as well as giving me more confidence in my skills, which will help me achieve my career goals.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Definitely apply! My experience has been so positive I don’t think anyone regrets applying. I think it is also good to know what you want to learn. Internships are such a good way to build new skills, as well as use and strengthen existing ones, so knowing what extra skills you want to develop is useful.
Name: Joseph McLaughlin
Line Manager & Mentor: Lewis Hotchkiss & Emma Squires
Project title: A Comparison of Processing Pipelines for Generating Research-Ready Neuroimaging Data.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
Persistence is key. Real world research is never easy; the data is harder to work with than that given to you when you are learning, and the software doesn’t always play ball with every dataset you have. Good teamwork is essential to fixing those problems.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
Producing processed data assets for DPUK is an important piece of work that I am proud to have managed and am confident will be of use to future researchers.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
Definitely, when I first joined the program, I was very uncertain about exactly what sort of research was done across the other teams. Now, having seen the other intern’s presentations I know that Population Data Science is an even larger and varied field than I previously thought.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
I am going into my final year of medicine, and I still plan to become a doctor once I qualify and continue my training in the hospital from there. However, being part of the internship has definitely convinced me that I would like to continue to do research in the future alongside my clinical duties.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
I would say that you are more ready to apply than you think you are. I wasn’t sure if I had the skills to be competitive and get the job, but you know more than you think.
For more information on our Summer Intern Programme, visit https://popdatasci.swan.ac.uk/about-us/summer-internship-programme/