Yi-Wen Hsiao

Hello! I am currently a fourth-year PhD candidate in Biostatistics at National Taiwan University, and I anticipate graduating in July 2023. The entirety of my PhD program has been supported by the Outstanding Doctoral Scholarship Pilot Program of MOST (Ministry of Science and Technology) in Taiwan, spanning from September 2019 to July 2023. I am currently undertaking a visiting research position at the University of Melbourne, participating in the Graduate Students’ Study Abroad Program of MOST, which commenced in July 2022 and will conclude in June 2023.

Before commencing my PhD studies, I gained valuable experience as a research assistant in a Bioinformatics lab. In this role, I extensively utilized bioinformatics pipelines to process diverse next-generation sequencing genomic data, transforming them into interpretable matrices. Additionally, I performed fundamental statistical analyses on these matrices, uncovering novel biological mechanisms across multiple species. This hands-on research experience, spanning over three years, piqued my curiosity about how we can extract deeper biological insights and clinical applications from genomic data. Consequently, my PhD research has primarily focused on the intersection of cancer genomics and its clinical applications, employing a range of computational methods derived from statistics and bioinformatics. Being part of a biostatistics group within the Department of Epidemiology has provided me with excellent training to bridge the gap between academic research and practical molecular diagnosis, enabling me to tackle various types of cancer. Throughout my three-year doctoral training, I have recognized the power of merging genomic data from different studies to obtain novel biological insights, such as improved characterization of cancer subtypes. However, addressing the technological disparities across diverse sequencing technologies in the integration of molecular data remains a challenge. Currently, I am undertaking a one-year visit at the University of Melbourne (UoM) to enhance my understanding of batch effects and their application in a real case study. This experience will further augment my expertise in the field of molecular data integration and contribute to advancing cancer research and clinical practice.

During my leisure time, I find great joy in traveling and engaging in sports. I have had the opportunity to explore over 10 countries and regions, broadening my cultural experiences and perspectives. Staying physically active is important to me, and I frequently visit the gym to maintain my fitness level. Additionally, I indulge in a diverse range of activities such as hiking, boxing, and bouldering, which allow me to stay active while also providing a sense of adventure and challenge.