CDU Spotlight: Senait Teklehaimanot, CDU Instructor and Researcher
Senait Teklehaimanot is an instructor in the Preventive and Social Medicine Department at CDU. With a career deeply rooted in Biostatistics, Teklehaimanot has seamlessly integrated research and teaching, making significant contributions to the university community. In this Q&A, CDU explores her personal journey, motivations, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to research and teaching in the dynamic field of Biostatistics, all in her own words.
Q: Can you elaborate on your journey to becoming a faculty member in your respective department at CDU?
A: My journey was straightforward and began immediately after graduating from Loma Linda University School of Public Health. I was swiftly recruited to Join CDU as a Biostatistician, marking the commencement of my impactful career. In 1998, I elevated my role by joining the Department of Family Medicine faculty at the School of Medicine. Embracing this faculty position, I immersed myself in various funded and non-funded research studies. Throughout the years, I’ve been privileged to provide essential support to researchers and students collaborating on numerous research projects.
Q: What motivated you to pursue this career path?
A: My motivation to pursue a career in Biostatistics is rooted in a childhood dream of studying medicine and becoming a doctor. However, faced with an unforeseen situation during the final stage of my undergraduate degree, I decided to explore a career that combines medicine with a different perspective. This led me to choose a graduate degree in Biostatistics. Recognizing the unique and impactful role statistics plays in the field of medicine.
Q: Could you share a particularly rewarding or challenging experience from your career that significantly influenced your approach to research and/or teaching?
A: One profoundly rewarding experience in my biostatistics career was mentoring students in research, particularly witnessing a transformation in a student without a research background. Observing a student evolve from having little research exposure to developing a genuine interest in minority health research is fulfilling.
My mentorship experience with the Project STRIDE student is undeniably rewarding. Witnessing the significant transformation from lack of confidence, symbolized by the initial struggle to lift his head during introductions, to winning an award in Student Research Day demonstrates the impact of mentorship on personal growth. The student’s aspirations for higher education and contributions to health disparity research further highlight the lasting positive influence of mentorship on both academic and career goals. This experience highlighted the transformative power of mentorship. It also significantly influenced and reinforced my commitment not only to collaborate and support researchers but also to impart knowledge and instill an appreciation for research in the next generation of scholars, particularly in the area that addresses health disparities.
Q: Considering the evolving landscape of biostatistics and data science, how do you stay updated on emerging trends and technologies to keep your teaching and research practices current?
A: Attending conferences and workshops and reading statistical journals allows me to learn about the latest methodologies and explore innovative applications of biostatistics. Additionally, online courses and training programs ensure that I am knowledgeable in the latest statistical software relevant to Biostatistics.
Q Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives in the Department of Biostatistics that you are particularly excited about or that you think the university community should be aware of?
Publicly available datasets have been valuable in examining health disparities research. Using the California Health Interview database, Dr. Hafifa Shabaik, as a primary and I, as a secondary author, recently published a paper in Public Health Reports titled “An Observational Study Quantifying the Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 Among Immigrant Adults.” The findings from this study reveal the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among noncitizens in California during the pandemic.
Q: What are the future goals and/or growth of your core at CDU.
A: Our Research Design and Biostatistics core at the university aims to sustain and increase support for university researchers and students. Additionally, we aim to extend our assistance to those students at our newly established medical school who are required to complete the Thesis program.
Senait Teklehaimanot’s journey and contributions to the field of Biostatistics exemplify dedication and passion. As the university community continues to thrive, her commitment to mentorship, research, and staying at the forefront of emerging trends ensures a dynamic and impactful future for the Research Design and Biostatistics core at CDU.