WebSpot Topics

• Genetics and the Shannon Index.

Brief Bio

Jessica Larson was grew up in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where she attended Aldai E. Stevenson High School. At Swarthmore College, Jessica is completing the first Special Major in Biostatistics and two additional minors in Black Studies and History. She is four-year member of Swarthmore's varsity Field Hockey and Badminton teams, and the Animal Rights Coalition. She also is a member of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society. Currently, Jessica is a Science Associate for Introductory Biology, Laboratory Teacher's Assistant for Genomics, tutor for Introductory Statistics, and a student librarian at Cornell Science Library.

Her research interests include human genetics and statistical genetics. Jessica is particularly interested in the mathematics behind gene-gene interactions, and public health statistics. She plans to attend a Ph.D. program in Biostatistics next fall, with the hopes of one day working in a pharmaceutical company, where she will analyze the affects of drugs on certain diseases. Eventually, she hopes to work for a nonprofit such as the Center for Disease Control or National Institutes of Health.

Question & Answer

What was your favorite math experience?

I have always loved statistics, and I am especially interested in multivariate statistical models. I love how such complex mathematical systems can easily be applied to simple real-world applications.

What do you hope to be doing next year this time?

I hope to be working on my Ph.D. in Biostatistics and doing research related to the genetics of human diseases.

What advice would you give freshman and sophomores considering majoring in mathematics and statistics?

Work hard at understanding the general mathematical principles of your early math/stat classes, because you will need them in later classes. A good base will help you later in your studies.