Alumni Profile: Abram Graham, BSPH

Abram Graham, BSPH

Profession
Biostatistician, Quintiles (based in the Reading, United Kingdom office)

Describe your current position
In the day-to-day, I work on developing statistical analysis plans (SAPs); programming tables, listings and figures in SAS; and performing data review and statistical analyses. I also time-to-time get to assist with the development of a Protocol for a Clinical Trial, review the case report forms (CRFs) that collect the data from patients, and advise our customers (pharmaceutical companies) about valid statistical analysis methods.

I continue to strengthen my ability at handling multiple projects at once and communicating effectively with other colleagues. I additionally have the opportunity to provide training, attend statistical conferences, and give guidance to new staff.

List your career highlights
– I wrote, developed and owned my first statistical analysis plan (SAP) for an upcoming clinical trial.

– I attended a statistical conference in Berlin, Germany where I presented a poster on a statistical oncology figure I researched and programmed.

– I’ve started to be the statistical team lead on a project.

What was your favorite thing about the Department of Biostatistics?
The high level of teaching and specifically the intelligence/charisma/care the professors put into their lectures.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement in your professional career and why?
My greatest achievement is deciding to do my Masters degree abroad in the United Kingdom, and actually making it happen. After growing up in Chapel Hill, attending UNC-Chapel Hill, and completing my BSPH in Biostatistics there, it was a big step to move to another country. But I would not trade my international experience for anything. The exposure I have had globally since being here, the chance to study in a different culture, and the opportunity to now work as a Biostatistician in England will end up being one of the best experiences of my life.

What has attending school at the Gillings School helped you achieve?
The school has helped me find my dream job and work environment. I love the work that I do–helping to improve public health through the use of statistics, mathematics, and logical thinking. Without attending the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the support of my professors, I never would have found this calling.

What are your words of wisdom for current students in the Biostatistics program?
Do not ever forget what you are learning and striving towards in the Biostatistics realm and in the public health setting in general: the continuing improvement of public health, whether it be helping a group of patients with a particular disease or influencing public health policy at a wider level. Statistics in themselves are interesting and exciting, but they have a larger purpose too. It is worthwhile to never forget that, so that way your experiences at UNC and work thereafter have meaning.