Sharifa Z. Williams, an Assistant Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, reflects on her journey to becoming a biostatistician and quantitative researcher. "The beautifully complex island of Jamaica is my birthplace. It is where my journey to becoming a biostatistician and quantitative researcher began," she said.
Williams's interest in mathematics was sparked during high school after her mother enrolled her in extra lessons with Mr. Russell Bell, whose passion for the subject inspired her. By fourth form, she excelled in mathematics and was admitted to the Cambridge subject Advanced Mathematics.
Her academic path took another turn as an undergraduate at Rutgers University through Project L/Earn, which introduced her to social sciences research and prepared her for graduate studies. After earning a bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in mathematics from Rutgers, Williams pursued further education at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, completing an MPH in health policy and management, an MS in biostatistics, and a PhD in biostatistics.
Following her terminal degree, Williams worked as a full-time research scientist at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research before joining Rutgers as an assistant professor. Her work focuses on two main themes: examining the impact of racism and socioeconomic disadvantage on health and applying statistical methods to improve research on health inequities among minoritized groups.
Williams emphasizes mentorship as a significant aspect of her career. "One of the ways I choose to express my gratitude for the impactful mentorship I have received throughout my academic and professional journey is by paying it forward," she stated. She mentors through programs such as those offered by the American Statistical Association and Eastern North American Region of the International Biometric Society’s diversity mentoring programs.
"The cycle of mentorship and growth is one of the most gratifying aspects of my career," Williams expressed. She takes pride in witnessing her mentees' accomplishments across various institutions including Rutgers, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, and Columbia University.
