Future Leader profile: Somayeh Rostamian
Position: Researcher at Imperial College London, while pursuing part-time studies at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Motivated by a passion for the medical field, I am now actively engaged in research within this domain while engaging in further professional development by pursuing part-time studies at LSHTM and undergoing training to become a statistician, showcasing my commitment to continuous learning and expanding my expertise in epidemiology and statistics.
Education: PhD from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands and currently undergoing training to transition into the field of statistics
Throughout my doctoral studies, I focused on utilising data for clinical trials and cohort studies, a trajectory I have since continued at Imperial College London.
Leadership philosophy: Leadership encompasses the ability to inspire, guide, and influence individuals or groups towards a common goal or vision. It involves setting a clear direction, motivating others to follow, and facilitating effective collaboration and decision-making
Leadership goes beyond just holding a position of authority; it's about inspiring trust, fostering growth and empowering others to achieve their full potential. Effective leaders have vision, integrity, empathy, resilience and the capacity to communicate effectively. They lead by example, embodying the values they espouse, and adapt their leadership style to suit different situations and team dynamics. Ultimately, leadership is about creating positive change, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity within an organisation or community.
Motivations as a Future Leader and mentor: To combat the underrepresentation of minorities and women in leadership positions within data fields
During my career, I encountered a student who possessed significant intelligence but struggled with self-confidence, particularly in the realm of medical research. Serving as her mentor, I guided her towards a deeper understanding of her capabilities. As a result, she embarked on studies at Oxford University and subsequently pursued a PhD at the Karolinska Institute, demonstrating remarkable growth and potential.
Advice to aspiring statisticians: Establish a strong foundation in data analysis, statistics, and programming languages; gain practical experience through projects, network with professionals, and communicate findings effectively
Continuously learn, seek feedback, and prioritize ethical considerations in your data career journey, and do not be afraid of failing – practice makes perfect.
Hobbies: Painting, watching movies, reading history books, listening to podcasts