Alumni Spotlight: Bingkai Wang, PhD ’21
Bingkai Wang, PhD ’21, is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
Bingkai Wang, PhD '21, is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Bingkai’s research focuses on leveraging modern analytical tools, including causal inference and machine learning, to address key challenges in the design and analysis of clinical trials.
In 2023, Bingkai was awarded the K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award from the National Institute of Health, which funds outstanding postdoctoral researchers for their early career development. He has completed 18 journal articles, 10 of which he was first-author. His recent work has been published in leading journals including the Journal of the American Statistical Association, Statistical Science, and Biometrics.
Describe your current position and responsibilities in a way that will inform current and prospective students about career opportunities in biostatistics.
Like most junior faculty, my role as assistant professor primarily involves conducting independent and collaborative research. Teaching and mentoring are also core responsibilities, and I deeply value the opportunity to help students prepare for their careers. Additionally, academia emphasizes service through internal roles like serving on admissions committees or external contributions like reviewing grants. These activities not only allow me to give back to the community but also help me build meaningful professional connections.
What sparked your interest in biostatistics?
I first learned biostatistics from an undergraduate course, and I immediately found it interesting because it beautifully connects my math knowledge with real-world questions. This interest grew when I began undergraduate research in genomics, which led to a small grant. During my PhD, I further developed my research interests in brain imaging and causal inference. In my academic journey, I’ve been fortunate to have had incredible mentors who have deepened my passion for biostatistics and inspired me to pursue this career path.
What has been your most satisfying job experience using your biostatistics background?
As a researcher, I feel excited and proud when my work is applied in real-world settings. For example, one of my papers with my former advisor Michael Rosenblum was cited and recommended in a recent FDA guidance document, which has greatly influenced statistical practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Since joining the University of Michigan, I’ve also collaborated with physicians to design clinical trials that address pressing scientific questions. These small but meaningful successes continually increase my passion for my job.
My PhD training at Johns Hopkins not only equipped me with the technical skills needed to succeed as a researcher but also helped me develop the mindset of a leader.
How did your degree in Biostatistics prepare you for your career? What aspects of the Hopkins program did you find most useful?
My PhD training at Johns Hopkins not only equipped me with the technical skills needed to succeed as a researcher but also helped me develop the mindset of a leader. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to interact with pioneering experts in biostatistics. From them, I learned how to identify meaningful scientific questions, develop rigorous statistical methods, build a research reputation, and grow as a well-rounded scientist. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship I received from top-notch professors in what I consider the best biostatistics program in the world.
What was your experience navigating the job market after graduation?
In my fifth year of the PhD program, I explored postdoc positions to broaden my research expertise and prepare for a faculty job search. My full job search took place the following year (winter 2022), during which I interviewed with several biostatistics departments and received multiple offers. While the process was exhausting and stressful, it was ultimately smooth and rewarding. I learned a lot from conversations with faculty at different institutions, which helped me refine my career goals. I’ve shared more details about my job search experience on my blog.
What was your favorite thing about living in Baltimore?
Baltimore was the first city I lived in after moving to the U.S., and it provided me with a wonderful introduction to American culture. The fresh seafood, beautiful Homewood campus, National Aquarium, and Towson shopping mall all hold special memories for me.