Alumni Interview: Doris from China
10th June 24
Doris graduated from her A-Level studies at Abbey College Cambridge in 2018. She moved on to the University of Warwick for her undergraduate studies in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, and Economics (MORSE).
After Warwick, Doris moved to the United States of America to complete a Masters Degree in Biostatistics at New York University (NYU) and to work as a postgraduate research associate at Yale University.
She is now completing her PhD at Stony Brook University, conducting her research project in population health and clinical outcomes. We recently spoke to her about her experiences post-Abbey.
Interview with Doris
Q. Hi Doris, tell us about your study and work experiences after graduating from Abbey College Cambridge?
A. I went to the University of Warwick and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, and Economics (MORSE) through the pandemic. In my freshman year I fortunately had some opportunities to intern in the financial industry, these experiences introduced me to banking analytics. Since then, I have gradually realised my preference for applied statistics. In my final year completing a course project related to Covid, I found out there was a branch subject called Biostatistics. As I had always wished to explore more places, I applied to take my Masters Degree at New York University (NYU). Following my Masters, I am now working as a postgraduate research associate at Yale University, and looking forward to starting my PhD in late August.
Q. What did you learn from each university you have studied at?
A. At Warwick I built a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics, although it was never an easy experience for me to understand the complex theories involved in the course. I am always grateful for my time at Warwick.
New York University (NYU) taught me to be more assertive and to take the initiative to do things that I’m interested in. Unlike Warwick, which is based in the suburbs of Coventry, the fast-paced New York City has incentivised me to gather more information. I’ve also grown and matured; for example, under the strict policies for foreign students in the US I had to secure a job quickly. I was also introduced to a research supervisor who was extremely important to me, and working with her made me determined to pursue a PhD.
Q. What has been your experiences of studying at UK and US universities? How do they compare to each other? And what was it like living and studying in each location?
A. The only disadvantage that I could say in the UK is the weather! Here it does not rain as much as my days in the UK! I am mostly a homebody, so I am not able to provide more info on entertainment, but one tip for students coming to the US – rental apartments are totally unfurnished in the US, so remember to order bedframes and mattresses ahead of arrival and getting a hotel booked. I slept on the floor for 2 weeks waiting for my bed to arrive!
Q. What are your ambitions for the future? And how are your studies shaping them?
A. I hope everything goes well in my job as well as my PhD studies. I can’t define the future, so just as I was once so sure that I would work in the financial industry, but now I am engaged in academic research. So I accept any versatile destination, and I will be very glad and proud of my achievements.
Q. Looking back at your time at Abbey College Cambridge, how do you think your experiences studying here helped prepare you for your studies at university and beyond?
A. Transitioning from an all-Chinese school environment to an all-English one at Abbey College Cambridge allowed me to experience a distinct educational model, and it made me fully prepared to face the challenges and obstacles of my undergraduate studies.
Q. What are your favourite memories of studying at Abbey College Cambridge, and of living in Cambridge?
A. Cambridge is the most comfortable and safest city I’ve ever lived in, and there is an especially delicious Vietnamese restaurant selling the best Pho located by the river. I remember walking with my friends across the bridge back to Purbeck House when we were at the old campus, and the movie nights we spent at the Light Cinema nearby. At Abbey College Cambridge, I formed the most precious friendships. I often reminisce with my friends about the time we spent there, with absolutely no regrets.
Q. What would be your advice for other students looking to study in the UK? And at a college like Abbey College Cambridge?
A. I would say; don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Avoid putting too much pressure and restrictions on yourself as life is full of surprises. When you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers and friends.
Q. How does your family feel about your academic journey so far?
A. My parents are growing alongside me, and their educational understanding and expectations are getting much better. They are very proud of me, and we are all confidently embracing the future.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to say?
A. I want to say a big thank you to (Collge Matron) Dawn, she took the best care of me from age 16 until now. We regularly send updates to each other by email, and she has always been supportive and lovely!
I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to the whole Abbey College Cambridge community, and especially to my teachers and tutors; Chris (Physics teacher), John (English teacher), Jo and Janet (Maths teachers), Andrew Humphris (Vice Principal Academic), and Carolyn Dunn (Vice Principal Pastoral). I will never forget and always be appreciative of the support given to me by Ross (former Maths teacher).
We would like to thank Doris for taking the time to answer our questions, and we wish her every success in her PhD project and beyond!
If you are former Abbey College Cambridge student who would like to share your experiences, please contact us, or join our LinkedIn alumni group for regular updates.
