Why did you choose the AIMS Lab for your Ph.D.?

Coming from a background in bioinformatics and clinical diagnostics, I found myself itching to broaden my skill set during my PhD journey. I wanted to move beyond just analyzing clinical data from a single time point and dive into the deep end of longitudinal and causal analysis across various data types - think electronic health records, multi-omics data, clinical notes, you name it! To navigate this terrain effectively, I recognized the need to harness novel machine learning and deep learning techniques to manage the vast array of non-parametric sample data-points and uncover latent connections within them.
The A.I.M.S Lab, under the guidance of Dr. Girish Nadkarni, emerged as the perfect environment for this pursuit. This place felt like home right from the start. The vibe was all about collaboration, and Dr. Nadkarni's mentorship sealed the deal for me. What particularly drew me to the lab was its diverse expertise and multi-faculty setting (all of whom are a joy to work with), spanning various domains of clinical medicine, including anesthesiology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, critical care, general medicine, and pulmonary medicine. Moreover, the lab boasted a strong foundation in data science, particularly in medical informatics, multi-modal data integration, sub-phenotype analysis, deep learning algorithms, and risk stratification.
I remember calling it my kid-in-a-candy-store moment! (because of the various prospective research avenues). The prospect of scientific immersion and the opportunity to collaborate with experts from diverse fields made the A.I.M.S Lab the clear choice for my PhD journey!

How is the AIMS lab helping you achieve your career goals?

I am a non-traditional female, international graduate student, which makes me a minority in the scientific community. However, within the AIMS Lab and the collaborative groups within the CBIPM milieu, I have found a supportive platform to showcase and articulate my scientific endeavors. Through these avenues, I aim to shine a spotlight on the intersection of AI and precision medicine, with the intention of inspiring other driven women scientists like me to join the ranks and make impactful contributions to the field.
Being a member of the AIMS Lab offers me a unique perspective, allowing me to approach machine learning from a 'clinical first' angle. This affords me access to a wealth of multi-modal datasets, robust computing resources, and an extensive research network comprising scientists within the Mount Sinai Health System and across other health centers in the country. Dr. Nadkarni, and the other clinical faculty in the AIMS Lab, . These resources not only facilitate my research but also foster collaborations that are crucial for advancing my career trajectory.
Moreover, the camaraderie within the lab members helps cushion the stresses that the graduate PhD academic brings in. It's invigorating to connect with fellow enthusiasts and nerd out over shared interests. I believe that the AIMS Lab is not just a research environment; it's a supportive community that empowers me to thrive both professionally and personally.

What is it like living in New York City as a PhD student?

The only way I would be able to afford living in a big city, right in the heart of Manhattan, the Upper east Side is if I were getting affordable housing as a student. With its advancement of cutting-edge translational research seamlessly focusing on patient care, and a collaborative environment, the graduate program at Mt Sinai makes it very attractive for graduate PhD trainees to pursue new ideas. In addition, the rent in Aaron Hall, a dormitory-style residence for single students does not burn a hold through one’s pockets at $800 per month (It is a literal steal!). In addition, Mt Sinai provides comfortable family-housing accommodations for trainees with families at competitively discounted rates within blocks of the UES campus. Sinai Graduate Student affairs also provides a student pantry for students-in-need and some fantastic options for living and dining around the area.
The attached maps screenshot shows you places (within a short walk or 30min commute) around the city that are popular for Happy Hours, to grab a bite to eat or carry out a cup of coffee!

What makes the AIMS lab so special?

What sets the AIMS Lab apart is its unique blend of patient-centered translational research, leveraging diverse clinical data to develop AI tools that directly impact clinical decision-making. This approach not only advances scientific knowledge but also improves patient outcomes, making the work incredibly rewarding.
The lab's collaborative ethos is another standout feature.
The collaborative environment (we literally have a no-a-hole policy!) and the environment is conducive to teamwork and mutual respect, fostering a sense of camaraderie among members. This supportive atmosphere makes the academic journey not only manageable but surprisingly enjoyable.
Moreover, the AIMS Lab boasts world-class clinical expertise, providing invaluable guidance and insights throughout the research process. This interdisciplinary collaboration not only enhances the quality of our work but also ensures its relevance and applicability in real-world clinical settings.
One of the most exciting aspects of being part of the AIMS Lab is the level of collaboration on projects. With a culture that prioritizes teamwork, it's common to see multiple researchers contributing to a single study. This not only broadens our perspectives but also accelerates the pace of research and results in a higher number of publications, offering a tangible reward for our collective efforts. Not to mention, the number of publications you get your name on, as a co-author (projects are insanely collaborative!) is an icing on the cake!