Profiles

Connie Zhang

Connie Zhang

PhD student, Department of Biostatistics

Student profile featured in the in February 2024 issue of the department’s equity, diversity, and inclusion newsletter


Tell us about yourself including your nationality, ethnicity, and culture.

I was born in Beijing, China, and I immigrated with my parents to Seattle, Washington when I was twelve years old. I speak Mandarin at home and celebrate traditional holidays with my parents. I went to undergrad at Macalester college in Saint Paul, Minnesota (lots of snow), majoring in Statistics with a concentration in Community and Global Health. During my free time, I like to read, explore new restaurants, and hang out with my orange cat Yangyang. 

How did you come to be associated with the UW Department of Biostatistics?

I started doing biostatistical research in undergrad and eventually decided to apply for PhD programs. One of my professors in undergrad is a UW alum and spoke very highly about the department. I was excited when I got admitted and have really enjoyed my time here. 

Tell us something we’d be surprised to know about you?

I am a big Lego fan. I once saved up from doing statistics tutoring and bought the 6020-piece Hogwarts castle.  I had a brief pre-med stint in undergrad during which I became a certified EMT. It convinced me that becoming a medical doctor is not for me.

What motivates you?

I am passionate about people and the ways that biostatistics can improve lives. 

Who/what has inspired you the most and why?

Going to a liberal arts college showed me that there is always more than one perspective to a problem. I try to keep that in mind in all the work I do!

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Curious, dependable, and green (it's my favorite color, I also love matcha and plant stores). 

 

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