Student profile featured in the in February 2024 issue of the department’s equity, diversity, and inclusion newsletter. 

Tell us about yourself including your nationality, ethnicity, and culture.

I was born in Beijing, China, and I immigrated with my parents to Seattle, Washington when I was twelve years old. I speak Mandarin at home and celebrate traditional holidays with my parents. I went to undergrad at Macalester college in Saint Paul, Minnesota (lots of snow), majoring in Statistics with a concentration in Community and Global Health. During my free time, I like to read, explore new restaurants, and hang out with my orange cat Yangyang. 

How did you come to be associated with the UW Department of Biostatistics?

I started doing biostatistical research in undergrad and eventually decided to apply for PhD programs. One of my professors in undergrad is a UW alum and spoke very highly about the department. I was excited when I got admitted and have really enjoyed my time here. 

Tell us something we’d be surprised to know about you?

I am a big Lego fan. I once saved up from doing statistics tutoring and bought the 6020-piece Hogwarts castle.  I had a brief pre-med stint in undergrad during which I became a certified EMT. It convinced me that becoming a medical doctor is not for me.

What motivates you?

I am passionate about people and the ways that biostatistics can improve lives. 

Who/what has inspired you the most and why?

Going to a liberal arts college showed me that there is always more than one perspective to a problem. I try to keep that in mind in all the work I do!

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Curious, dependable, and green (it's my favorite color, I also love matcha and plant stores). 

More about Connie Zhang