We caught up with Precious Owero-Ozeze ahead of the Health Data Science Black Internship Programme’s closing ceremony in London to celebrate their time with NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre this summer.
Precious, tell us a little bit about your background before starting your internship
I hold a master’s degree in data science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Hull, where I developed strong expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modelling. My academic and professional journey has equipped me with a deep passion for leveraging data to solve complex problems, particularly in the healthcare domain. I believe research is important because it drives innovation, informs evidence-based decision-making, and addresses critical challenges in society. In the field of healthcare, research is particularly important as it leads to the discovery of new treatments and improves patient care.
What was it about the HDR UK internship that appealed to you?
Applying was actually a coincidence; My supervisor suggested the program to me because I had expressed interest in a health-related thesis. I believe there is so much potential in the healthcare sector, and Data Science has so much to offer in terms of improving patient outcomes. I ended up working on a thesis focused on ‘detecting humour in text,’ which, while interesting, was quite different from my interest. The HDRUK internship, however, perfectly aligned with my passion for health data and provided the opportunity to apply my data science skills in a sector where I believe they can make a real impact.
Can you tell us a little bit about the project you’ve been working on during your internship?
My project aimed at developing a predictive model for the early detection of pancreatic cancer in patients newly diagnosed with diabetes. The project involved analysing extensive datasets from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and the National Cancer Registration (NCRAS). My role included data integration, preprocessing, and applying statistical techniques to build and optimise predictive models. The work was particularly exciting because it aimed to improve early diagnosis, targeted screening and patient outcomes in healthcare.
Dr Sarah Bailey - Associate Professor of Primary Care DiagnosticsWe are pleased to be able to offer this internship and to have Precious working as part of our team. Her experience of data science has brought a valuable perspective to our work.
What would you like to work on in the future – do you have dream job or project?
In the future, I aspire to work on projects that leverage data to improve the management of both diabetes and Down syndrome. For diabetes, I’m interested in developing personalised interventions that can better manage blood sugar levels, prevent complications, and enhance overall patient outcomes. Additionally, I’m passionate about exploring ways to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome, creating targeted interventions that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Have you had to overcome any barriers, personal or external to pursue your career?
Coming from a chemistry background and trying to pivot into the health sector was quite a challenge. Although I had developed strong data skills from my previous roles, my academic background in chemistry and my work experience in the tech industry made it difficult to transition directly into health-related fields. This internship has given me the opportunity to apply my data skills in health research, ultimately helping me bridge the gap (to an extent) between my past experience and my new career aspirations.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering an internship or embarking on a career in research?
My advice would be to approach the internship with a mindset of learning and curiosity, the true value of an internship lies in the skills, experiences, and connections you gain. For anyone starting their research careers, access to great mentorship is crucial and opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects can provide the exposure and experience needed to tackle complex research problems effectively.
We hope you have an amazing time at the HDRUK Health Data Science Black Internship Programme closing ceremony. Before you leave, please can you tell us one thing that not everybody knows about you?
I much prefer writing my thoughts rather than speaking them. Writing allows me to organise my ideas more clearly and express myself more effectively. It’s a medium where I feel I can communicate my insights and emotions with greater depth and precision.
Chrissie Walker - NIHR Exeter BRC Health Data Research ManagerThis internship demonstrates all the amazing opportunities available for Health Data Science research. Building on Precious' existing interest and skills in Data Science, we were able to quickly develop a project, working with some of Exeter's world-leading Cancer researchers, that offered a deep dive into diabetes and pancreatic cancer data. Research that could genuinely lead to saving lives.