Student Achievements
Biostatistics Graduate Finds Success at Duke University
March 13, 2017
As an undergraduate student at GVSU, Brandy Pitcher was encouraged by her professors to apply for the Professional Science Master’s program in Biostatistics.
While completing the Biostatistics Program, Brandy interned in the Research Department at Spectrum Health Hospital where she first learned about clinical trials and cancer research. She discovered how statisticians play a role in completing studies and getting studies published, which she describes as a “stepping stone to the world of research… to me, biostatistics is the perfect combination of mathematics and science. I found my niche.”
In October 2010, she joined the Alliance Statistics and Data Center at Duke University in Durham, NC as a Biostatistician II. She provide statistical support for Alliance Breast, Lymphoma, Cancer in the Elderly and Translational Science Committees working on a variety of Phase I, II and III clinical trials in addition to retroactive corollary studies.
In 2014, Brandy was invited back to GVSU as a Distinguished Alumni in Residence for the Statistics Department. She visited classrooms and spoke with students, highlighted her career experiences and successes, and hosted a seminar for future biostatisticians.
Shortly afterwards, Brandy was promoted to Biostatistician III at Duke University. Her work is reflected in an extensive publication portfolio including several manuscripts and abstracts. For Brandy, attending college was not just about earning a degree; it was learning about who she is.
“I found my way to biostatistics and enjoy a rewarding career fighting cancer. I am the one behind the clinical trial who puts the pieces together from data collection to analysis. It took me a little longer than most students – but this job is the perfect combination for me” Brandy stated.