Biomedical research students awarded fellowships for data science engineering
Under the guidance of Professors Wei Chen and Hala Zreiqat AM from the School of Biomedical Engineering, PhD students Zhiya Wang, Sally Kurtam and Rana Judeh were selected for the 21st International Summer Academy BIO-X on Data Science in Healthcare, Medicine and Biology.
The Academy was sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation and co-sponsored by the IEEE EMB Society, the IEEE BRAIN, the Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of Houston, and the Technical University of Crete.
Zhiya, Sally and Rana together with the rest of their cohort that attended the 21st International Summer Academy BIO-X on Data Science in Healthcare, Medicine and Biology.
Out of over 900 applications, only 32 applicants were selected to attend the program. The Academy explored the challenges and opportunities of data science and engineering in medical imaging, precision medicine, digital healthcare and brain and neural systems.
Taking part in the program, the students wanted to get more exposure on how technological innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science were being translated into the healthcare and medical industry.
I was thrilled to have been chosen for the Academy, especially since my research revolves around AI and machine learning.
Zhiya’s own research focuses on using artificial intelligence methods for sleep monitoring and detecting sleep disorders, particularly sleep staging and obstructive sleep apnoea. In the future, she hopes her research will lead to more accurate diagnoses and the development of effective feedback systems, to improve the quality of life for individuals with sleep disorders.
For Sally, the opportunity to integrate multiple disciplines, from engineering, biology and medicine, drew her to research biomaterials and nanoparticle-based delivery systems for cancer treatment. Through her research, she aims to improve bone cancer treatment by advancing localised delivery systems that minimise side effects and enhance chemotherapy efficacy for better patient outcomes.
Rana is working on developing a machine learning model to detect cellular senescence, which is of cells aging as a result of growing older, to contribute to research aimed at stopping age-related diseases. These diseases can include osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis. She hopes her research helps to overcome a lot of the struggles faced in identifying senescence efficiently.
Ziya’s presented on her research on obstructive sleep apnoea to their peers as part of the student presentations.
This experience has significantly influenced my career aspirations, and I am grateful for the connections and inspiration gained. As I move forward in my career, I am motivated to pursue a path in academia. I hope to contribute to both the scientific community and industry through research.
With students attending the program from across six continents, they welcomed the opportunity to hear their peers’ research, connect and collaborate on diverse ideas.
The Academy was an incredible experience that contributed significantly to our professional development and also to our personal growth. The knowledge gained, the connections made, and the inspiration received are invaluable.
The group enjoyed learning novel cutting-edge research and different methods to approach research problems from keynote speakers and then relaxing by the beautiful beaches and surroundings in Crete.
At the conclusion of the program, the students were inducted to the IEEE and EMBS fellowship, joining a distinguished network of researchers from all over the world. As part of their fellowships, the students will receive invitations to any conference organised by the committee.