Yue You
The University of Melbourne
Yue started as a biology student in Zhejiang University and pursued her Bachelor degree. Afterwards, she began to work in bioinformatics field. Currently, Yue is commencing her PhD degree at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (Ritchie laboratory), solving interesting problems in single cell RNA sequencing pre-processing part.
Can you give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community
I work with single cell sequencing data. You could imagine how large the dataset would be, because each cell would express a lot of genes. And there would definitely be thousands of cells. I use mathematics to distinguish if the profile I get belongs to a real cell or it is just background.
What did you want to be when you grew up? If not mathematics research, what would have been?
I wanted to be a mathematics researcher or a teacher in related field.
You attended AMSI BioInfoSummer, what drew you to this event? What was the most valuable part of AMSI BioInfoSummer for you in terms of furthering your career in mathematical sciences?
As a researcher in bioinformatics, I would like to grasp information in this event, because it would really be a fast way to get to know new concepts and potential useful methods for my study. I think the most valuable part for me is that I find what stage I would like to get doing bioinformatics study. It is not necessary for me to develop new methods. Using existed methods to solve problems is also a very good thing.
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years time?
I would like to see myself leading a team to analysis data for others.
How important are initiatives such as the CHOOSEMATHS Grants in terms of fostering the participation and achievement of women in mathematics, particularly in terms of access to networking opportunities and further training opportunities?
If we consider the stats, the numbers of women attendees for the BioinfoSummer were more than the male attendees; this clearly indicates that mathematics is one of the most popular options among women and more women are pursuing or willing to pursue a career in it. Such events provide an excellent opportunity to motivate people in choosing Maths, especially women.
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
Suggestions are important.
If a peer asked you if they should attend AMSI BioInfoSummer, how would you describe the conference to them?
It would be a great opportunity for you to have new contacts and grasp information in your research filed. Just make the best use of it. Everything is worthwhile.