After passing her PhD viva, Mariza Spyropolou talks to us about her statistics research and her time at Kent.
How would you describe your research to someone who’s never studied the area?
Statistics combines mathematics and computer science. Statistics tries to give solutions on every-day problems through modelling and analysing datasets. These every day problems can be from health department to sports field.
What impact will your research have?
My research is based on blood pressure data. We provided a model that combines Diastolic and Systolic Blood Pressure providing also the interaction between these two variables. Although many countries do not have blood pressure measurements through our modelling we can provide estimates for every age group and every country of interest.
Why did you start your PhD, and why at Kent?
I was fascinated about Statistics and was always curious about the research in Statistics. Therefore I decided to take the risk and go for it. Kent came unexpectedly but it turned out to be the best option for me.
How will this help your career?
PhD is helping you to develop skills of independence, critical thinking and searching for answers.
You’ve lived here for a while, what has been your favourite thing about being at Kent and in Canterbury?
Although Canterbury is a small city there are many options of cafes and restaurants with a variety of styles. There are also many charity shops that have everything, from clothes to kitchen equipment in low prices, which is excellent for students.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing a PhD?
My advice would be that by trying it is the only way to learn if you really like it.