As developments in artificial intelligence (AI) offer new insights into data in the fields of research and medicine, learning to use these tools may prove to be an incredible asset in lifesaving contexts. Adeel Arif is a Columbia SPS CUNY Fellow and a student in the M.S. in Applied Analytics program. A recent graduate of Hunter College, Arif hopes to take advantage of his year in the program before medical school to develop critical analytics skills.
“We are delighted to welcome Adeel to the inaugural cohort of Columbia SPS CUNY Fellows,” says Kitty Kay Chan, director of the M.S. in Applied Analytics program. “This fellowship underscores our commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders in data analytics. We look forward to seeing how Adeel applies the knowledge and skills gained through the program to contribute to solving real-world challenges through his career in medicine.”
The Columbia SPS CUNY Fellowship program was launched in early 2024 with the goal of providing high-achieving recent City University of New York (CUNY) bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients access to Columbia’s vast academic, professional, and community resources. The fellowship provides a full-tuition scholarship for six semesters in any one of the School’s graduate programs, helping to remove a financial barrier to earning a master’s degree.
We spoke to Arif about his background, his goals while at Columbia, and his plans for the future.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I was born and raised in New York and attended Hunter College for undergrad, where I studied biology, statistics, chemistry, and business. I am currently on the premed track.
Why did you decide to apply to be an SPS CUNY Fellow?
I am taking a gap year before medical school to explore how AI and machine learning can transform the health care sector. Columbia’s Applied Analytics program aligns perfectly with my interests, offering the opportunity to deepen my understanding of these technologies in a health care context. The full-ride scholarship to an Ivy League school made it an even more compelling choice, motivating me to apply.
What does it mean to you to have gotten this opportunity and scholarship?
I’m honored and excited to receive the fellowship! Columbia has been my dream school since high school, and being able to attend on a full ride is an honor. I am excited to represent CUNY, Hunter College, and Columbia, and I hope to be a major part of the community on campus.
What excites you most about the program?
I am extremely excited to work with the incredible Columbia faculty and network with all the students. I am also looking forward to taking advantage of the various opportunities that both Columbia and this fellowship offer.
Why are you interested in AI, data science, and analytics?
I believe analytics is the future of medicine, especially as health care becomes increasingly data-driven with advancements in AI. In college, I focused my senior thesis and predictive-analytics research on the applications of AI in health care. There are so many ways analytics can be used in health care, and I hope to gain skills and experience in analytics before I attend medical school.
How do you connect analytics and health care? What do you hope to do with your analytics skills in the future?
I worked as a medical scribe, medical assistant, and research associate during undergrad. Through these experiences, I learned about the important role data plays in medicine. For example, we can leverage machine learning in imaging and assist physicians in diagnosing complicated diseases. AI can also be used as a predictive tool for hospital efficiency and drug development. AI is a relatively new field, and I believe being able to understand analytics and data science will be crucial for the future of health care.
About the Applied Analytics Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Applied Analytics program prepares students with the practical data and leadership skills to succeed. The program combines in-depth knowledge of data analytics with the leadership, management, and communication principles and tactics necessary to impact decision-making at all levels within organizations.
