Alumni Spotlight: Qier Meng, ScM ’22
Qier Meng, ScM ’22, is a senior computational statistician at Eli Lilly and Company, where she works to address complex health-related research questions.
Qier Meng, ScM ’22, is a senior computational statistician at Eli Lilly and Company where she works with both clinical trial and real-world data, applying a range of statistical methods in order to address complex health-related research questions.
While in the Department of Biostatistics, Qier studied the association between physical activity and multiple sclerosis, publishing the findings “Quantifying the Association between Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Multiple Sclerosis in the UK Biobank” in the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, under the guidance of her adviser Ciprian Crainiceanu.
Additionally, Qier worked with Carrie Wright on the Open Case Studies project, an educational resource of experiential guides that demonstrate how to effectively derive knowledge from data in real-world challenges.
Describe your current position and responsibilities in a way that will inform current and prospective students about career opportunities in biostatistics.
From basic statistical tests to advanced longitudinal data analyses, I am responsible for selecting and implementing the most appropriate methodologies for various data types and objectives. A significant part of my role involves programming in R and SAS to clean and analyze data, as well as generating comprehensive reports. I also work on interpreting results and providing insights into statistical approaches.
Beyond data analysis, I contribute to innovation by developing tools like R Shiny applications to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. Collaboration is central to my work, as I regularly engage with statisticians, scientists, and physicians to address complex health-related research questions and deliver impactful solutions.
What has been your most satisfying job experience using your biostatistics background?
The most satisfying part of my job is understanding how statistical analyses can drive meaningful outcomes in health-related research. My training at Hopkins, which combined statistical expertise with health sciences knowledge, allows me to see the bigger picture. This perspective helps me assess the reasonableness of analyses within their context and ensures that my work has a purposeful impact.
Knowing that my contributions may positively impact the lives of people with health needs is deeply rewarding. It reminds me why I pursued this career in the first place. This sense of purpose fuels my passion and drives me to take on new challenges with confidence.
How did your degree prepare you for current and future roles in Biostatistics? What aspects of the Hopkins program did you find most useful?
The mentorship and collaborative environment at Hopkins has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal growth.
The combination of coursework and research at Hopkins provided me with the skills and confidence to excel in my career. The program balanced theoretical knowledge with practical applications, offering classes that encouraged collaboration with scientists and physicians on real-world projects. These experiences not only deepened my technical expertise but also prepared me to communicate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Working with Dr. Crainiceanu was a particularly meaningful experience. He encouraged me to explore my interest in multiple sclerosis and guided me through every step of the research process. Dr. Erjia Cui, who was a PhD student under Dr. Crainiceanu at the time, also provided great support, offering insights and guidance that helped me navigate challenges in my analyses. Together with other members of the group, they created an environment where I felt supported to ask questions and explore ideas.
These experiences taught me to think critically and innovatively while also helping me identify my interests and career purpose. The mentorship and collaborative environment at Hopkins has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal growth.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Value the opportunities that Hopkins offers. The coursework is thoughtfully designed to provide a strong foundation in both theory and practice, and it will benefit you throughout your career. Take the time to discover your passions and strengths. Pursue what truly excites you and aligns with your goals, rather than simply going along with what everyone else is doing.
What are your favorite memories of your time at Johns Hopkins Biostatistics?
My time at Hopkins coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which made our first year entirely online. Despite the physical distance, my cohort stayed closely connected. We organized weekly study groups where everyone actively participated. They were filled with deep discussions that often lasted late into the night. These interactions not only enriched my understanding of the material but also fostered friendships that continue to this day.
What was your favorite thing about living in Baltimore?
The vibrant and diverse experiences it offered. I loved spending time at the Inner Harbor, enjoying fresh Maryland crabs, and heading to Ellicott City on weekends for Korean BBQ. I lived near the Homewood campus, where I met so many wonderful people while walking my dog; those interactions made my time in the city even more special.