Head of data science for Lo’real USA and adjunct assistant professor for Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
What are your top achievements?
Being awarded the top 100 innovator at the pharma company Eli Lilly
Being awarded the prestigious and competitive A*star scholarship for my PhD. at NUS, Singapore.
Educational background:
I completed my doctorate in computational biology from National University of Singapore. Then, while working in the US, I did a second M.S degree from Columbia University in biostatistics. I started with background in biochemistry(B.Sc.) and biotechnology (M.S), before embarking on an educational training to be a present day data scientist in the field of genomics and clinical trials.
What are your favorite platforms or which charitable organizations you admire most?
My favorite platforms are Kaggle, DREAM challenge for enhancing data analysis skills and NIH and NCBI websites which allow for data to be shared publicly and free of charge.
In terms of charitable institutions, I like New York cares as they have many programs catering to different demographics of NYC and have everyone involved. I have also participated and supported cycleforsurivival.org, which is a movement to beat rare cancers and a great way for anybody to participate with high-energy indoor team cycling events.
What’s your dream job?
I think I am in a career that fulfills my dream. Each job in my career so far has been a step towards being in that dream which is to use data and insights to make discoveries in biomedical science and to solve medical problems creatively.
Who is your favorite role model?
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. She is known as the biotech queen of India. Her journey inspires me that one can create paths where none exists through grit and perseverance.
Ten years from now where do you see yourself?
I never like to plan so far ahead as so many unexpected events and opportunities can come in your way. I like to stay in the present and enjoy the journey.
How do you maintain work and life balance?
I try to do things that fills my soul and takes me to the different world such as hosting a musical program on air as a radio host.
Favorite Book (s): Outliers: Author – Malcolm Gladwell
Favorite Musician (s): Quite a few. A.R Rahman (India), Yanni (Greek composer), Ravi Shankar (Sitarist)
Favorite Movie (s): Most science fiction movies
Favorite Actor (s): Robert Dinero, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Caine
Favorite Sport (s): Badminton. I love the energy and helps me to de-stress.
Favorite TV Show (s): Big Bang Theory
Do you have any pets? Yes, I am an animal lover.
