This summer, 16 skilled interns became part of our Population Data Science team. With their internships coming to an end, we invited them to reflect on their experiences.
In this blog series, our interns will share insights from their time with us, showcasing the valuable lessons and skills they’ve gained, their accomplishments, and their future ambitions.
Name: Nancy Meligy
Line Manager & Mentor: Lewis Lee & Amanda Marchant
Project title: Suicidal Ideation To Attempts, Risk Factors Associated With The Transition.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
I gained a lot of research skills and witnessed how research is conducted in a real work environment. Additionally, I understood how a team works collaboratively on multiple projects, and I widened my network.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
Yes! When my supervisors let me know my name would be included on the publication I have been working on, also when I won the best research award in the showcase event.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
I believe that my understanding has become more profound. I got to understand how population data is being used very cautiously to derive important insights.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
It gave me an insight into a researcher’s work and made me sure that I want to be a researcher/population data scientist.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
I would absolutely advise them to apply to this internship because it is an excellent opportunity to either advance in what you are doing or gain extra insight into something you might be planning to pursue. Preparing for the interview and then completing the internship are two helpful experiences and are necessary for anyone interested in healthcare research or in using data science methods in healthcare data.
Name: Neel Basak
Line Manager & Mentor: Lewis Hotchkiss & Emma Squires
Project title: Using Explainable AI Techniques For Biomarker Discovery Of Major Depressive Disorder.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned? During my time at Dementias Platform UK, I learnt about the importance of clear communication in making complex information accessible to all stakeholders. I developed adaptability in navigating new datasets and evolving technologies, honed my problem-solving skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into making clinical data accessible to researchers, all while not compromising patient privacy.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
Yes! Unlike the clean, pre-processed datasets found in university assignments, this project required me to work with raw, messy data filled with inconsistencies and missing values. I navigated the entire process, from data cleaning and preparation to model development, evaluation, and deployment. This gave me a real sense of achievement and confidence in my abilities as a data scientist, knowing I had successfully executed a project that directly contributed to our understanding of depression vis-à-vis dementia.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
A few weeks into my internship, I realised that population data science is not all about just maths and algorithms! There is much more to it. Behind every data-driven project, there are extensive operations, regulatory protocols, and ethical considerations that guide how data is collected, stored and used. I have come to appreciate that ensuring compliance with data privacy laws, maintaining data quality and understanding the ethical implications of data usage are all equally crucial elements.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
This internship has cemented my plans to pursue a career as a health/clinical data scientist. Experiencing firsthand how data can be transformed into insights that support early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and policymaking has inspired me to focus my career on the intersection of technology and healthcare.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
My advice is to go for it. This is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow in a highly supportive environment with mentors who are genuinely invested in your development. Don’t worry about having the perfect background—what matters most is curiosity, passion and willingness to learn. The team here understands that everyone comes from different academic and professional journeys, and they are willing to help bridge any gaps.
Name: Nivethigha Elango
Line Manager & Mentor: Roberta Chiovoloni & Rhiannon Owen
Project title: Clustering Methods In Multiple-Long Term Conditions.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
Throughout my internship, I developed crucial skills in data analysis, research methodologies, and conducting literature reviews. I also enhanced my soft skills, such as time management and effective planning, which were vital for successfully completing my tasks.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments was simulating data using accurate census data and successfully implementing a technique based on a research paper, tailoring it to address my specific research question.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
My understanding of Population Data Science has deepened significantly. I gained insights into how data-driven approaches can address public health issues and the importance of accurate data in shaping research outcomes. The internship broadened my perspective on the application of data science in various population health contexts.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
This internship has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. Working under a research officer has provided me with valuable insights into the research environment, solidifying my interest in pursuing roles as a research assistant and furthering my career in research.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
I would advise applicants to embrace the diverse range of projects offered in the internship programme. The variety ensures that there is something for everyone and offers continuous opportunities for learning and development. The programme is highly supportive and provides a great platform for discovering and expanding your interests in data science.
Name: Samina Josefsberg
Line Manager & Mentor: Michael Bale & Matt John
Project title: Web Designer And Creative Director For Social And Environmental Research Projects.
Looking back on your time with us, what are the key lessons and/or skills you have learned?
The ability to think independently and critically about my designs, how they can be improved, and how they can be more representative of the feedback I have been given. In terms of hard skills, I have learnt how to build responsive and user-friendly sites and how to use HTML and CSS skills to create email templates.
Is there a specific accomplishment/moment from your internship you are especially proud of?
I think seeing the site I worked on live is particularly poignant of how much I have learnt over the last three months, I can’t quite believe I designed it all by myself.
How has your understanding of Population Data Science changed during your internship?
It’s been really interesting having conversations with people across different floors, undertaking different projects and learning more about the depth of work done in this field. Being a part of such an impactful organisation is amazing and eye-opening to the world of things that are possible with data science.
In what ways, if any, has this internship influenced your career plans?
I would love to continue working on social and environmental impact projects through design and I am excited to see where my newly developed Web Design skills take me.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the internship programme?
Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know, and definitely apply regardless of your background or experience. I had zero experience in web design and can proudly say that I have now designed an entire site from scratch.
For more information on our Summer Intern Programme, visit https://popdatasci.swan.ac.uk/about-us/summer-internship-programme/