Ranran Tao
Bioinformatics Research Data Analyst, Moffitt Cancer Center, FL, United States
Degree details
- BSc in Mathematics
What was your best experience while studying your course at the University of Liverpool and why?
We had a wide range of module choices, allowing us to explore both theoretical and applied mathematics. This flexibility enabled me to discover the areas of interest in and develop a well-rounded skill set, which has been important in my postgraduate studies and career journey. Also, the university has a warm and supportive community, particularly in 2020 when the pandemic first broke out. During such an unprecedented time, friends around the campus genuinely cared for one another. The university responded swiftly, adapting to the rapidly changing situation by implementing new teaching and assessment methods to ensure we could continue our education with minimal disruption while prioritizing our well-being. I truly appreciated being part of such a caring and resilient environment.
While you were at university, what were the beneficial things outside of your course that helped you to get ready to begin your career?
The University’s Career Studio provided invaluable support in job searching, refining my CV, and preparing for interviews, equipping me with essential skills to navigate the job market. Additionally, the university has a diverse community filled with talented individuals. Engaging with peers who pursued internships across various industries not only broadened my perspective but also provided valuable insights into different sectors, helping me understand industry trends and emerging opportunities.
In which ways did your course help you to prepare for your current role?
Courses such as Vector Calculus, Metric Spaces, and Number Theory helped to solidify my theoretical understanding of mathematics. Courses including Statistics and Probability further equipped me with the statistical tools necessary for analyzing real-world data, particularly in the field of biostatistics. This knowledge has been important in my current role, where I analyze data and build models to support cancer research and treatment. The Professional Projects and Employability in Mathematics module also prepared me for the practical aspects of my career. It improved our ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-life problems, trained our presentation skills, team work and professional writing. These skills have been key in helping me explain complex ideas clearly in my current role.
Can you please share an insight into your current role, what do you enjoy the most?
My current role focuses on applying mathematical models and deep learning to cancer research, developing digital tools for cancer diagnoses and employing statistical methods to analyze complex biological data in immunotherapy. I enjoy the opportunity to be involved in projects from start to end. This allows me to engage in the entire research process, which significantly enhances my scientific reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The interdisciplinary nature of my work requires collaboration with oncologists, biostatisticians, and pathologists, a very dynamic environment. Knowing that my research contributes to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes makes every effort worthwhile.
What challenges did you face as a recent graduate in a new workplace? How did you overcome these?
Bridging the gap between technical expertise and practical application was a challenge. Specifically, how to develop tools that best meet end users’ needs, how to translate complex analyses for non-statisticians. To overcome these obstacles, seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced colleagues helped a lot. Practicing in multiple hands-on projects also helps — it refines my skills and gives me valuable feedback along the way.
Do you have any top tips to share with future and current students (in terms of preparing for work)?
Having a solid foundation in mathematics is a huge advantage—it sharpens your problem-solving skills and gives you the tools to handle complex challenges. Connecting with people also helps. You can stay up to date on trends, new technologies, and job opportunities. Talking with experts can give you fresh ideas and even open doors to exciting collaborations. Communication is a great skill to have, especially in multidisciplinary settings. Explaining mathematics to people from different backgrounds — whether in medicine, engineering, or business—makes your work more impactful and easier to understand.