FEATURING: The MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care team of 2021

Data is revolutionising the way health and social care is delivered. The demand for health and social care professionals with data science skills is unprecedented, and with it, the need for an MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care postgraduate programme. This  flexible, online programme is aimed at people who are interested in starting a career in data science or who are seeking to develop data science skills in their current role that can be applied in health, social and care services. 

Here is a little overview of the fantastic achievements and areas of interest in the team.  

Michelle Evans 

Programme Director 

I have over fifteen years’ experience in establishing, developing and leading online and on campus education and training in public health and clinical research, across an extensive postgraduate and continuing professional development teaching portfolio. 

My passion for data science developed during my time as Education Manager for the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility here in Edinburgh, when I established our online MSc in Clinical Trials, which I continue to co-direct. Clinical research, clinical trials and the NHS generate vast volumes of data and present enormous challenges to harness these big data sets to improve trial efficiency and increase impact on local and global healthcare challenges. 

I enjoy designing high quality education and training outputs in a variety of teaching modes. I firmly believe that we must create education opportunities that are relevant to society, diverse, inclusive and accessible to all. 

I was a key contributor to the successful bid to establish the Data-Driven Innovation Health and Social Care (HSC) Talent programme, as part of the City Region Deal. I lead this ambitious portfolio of education to reduce the current skills deficit in data science for HSC by enabling students and HSC professionals realise the value of data to benefit the health and wellbeing of citizens. Our programme includes a trio of DDI funded online MSc programmes, data science enhancement of the undergraduate medical degree and the development of continuing professional development aiming to build data science expertise across our current and future workforce. 

In my spare time, I enjoy escaping city life and exploring Scotland’s beautiful glens, hills and mountains - a perfect place for hiking and walking. I love to travel and visit new places and I have missed being able to this, due to the global pandemic. I also enjoy spending time with my family back home in Wales. 

Dr Mairead Bermingham 

Programme Senior Teaching Fellow and Dissertation Coordinator 

I am the senior teaching fellow and dissertation coordinator for the online MSc in Data Science for Health and Social Care. This role involves leading the design and development of the programme and teaching, assessment, student support, and coordinating student dissertations in the master’s year of the programme. 

I have many years of teaching and research experience. I have taught on many different university courses over the past ten years, including statistics, epidemiology and bioinformatics, and have experience supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.  

Before joining the MSc in Data Science for Health and Social Care at the Usher Institute in September 2020, I worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine (machine learning and epigenetics), the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (human genetics and genomic prediction) and the Roslin Institute (population and statistical genomics) at The University of Edinburgh, and as a research officer at Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (population genetics). I also have extensive experience in policy and public engagement. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and taking beautiful coastal and hill walks across Scotland in my spare time. I also love to watch true-life documentaries about jewellery heists, murders and scandals. 

Magdalena Mazurczak  

Programme Administrator  

I joined the Usher Institute at the Edinburgh Medical School in November 2020 to work on the design and administration of our new and exciting Data-Driven Innovation programme. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to support the teaching team and professional learners in their journey through enhancing their qualifications as they take part in our Data Science for Health and Social Care programme.  In my professional career I have supported a broad range of educational divisions, focusing on The University of Edinburgh Finance Sector, Research and Teaching Office Administration. 

In 2002 I graduated with a Master’s in Mathematics from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland and what started as a small yet daring travelling adventure eventually brought me to Scotland, where I have fallen in love with the bonnie capital of multicultural and flamboyant festivals, Edinburgh.  

I have always been a people person and working in direct contact with others perfectly dovetails with my open, energetic personality. I also enjoy independent problem solving, especially if it provides an opportunity to exercise my skills in numeracy. I am passionate about cultivating and enkindling curiosity, hard work and perseverance in continuous development and long-term work relationship. 

I am an outdoor sports enthusiast, often seen on Scottish windy beaches (perfect waves!) or spectacular hill hikes. I am a hands-on mum that enjoys creating memories through healthy cooking, scrumptious baking and dirty gardening. I don’t panic and carry a towel (ref. Douglas Adams). 

 

If you have any questions about this programme, please email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk or if you’re ready to read details about the programme and start your application, please visit our application page.

Apply now via the MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care application page

The MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care team look forward to connecting with you online soon!