Deeper than Data

Every second, the human brain sends billions of signals throughout the body, a perfect synchronization of data that neuroscientists have been working for decades to understand. Transforming that complexity into knowledge requires both technical computational skills and a natural curiosity of the human mind.

At Florida State University, undergraduate statistics student Joyce Lin embodies this intersection, uniting statistics and neuroscience through biostatistics and applying quantitative analyses and techniques to the study of neurological conditions including dementia, ALS and epilepsy, to understand how these disorders progress and discover ways to improve the lives of those affected.

“Every number in my research represents a single life — someone navigating a diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or facing a moment of uncertainty,” Lin said. “We often view neurological disorders as medical conditions that need to be cured without recognizing they’re also disabilities that affect a person’s daily life. My research focuses on improving the quality of life for those living with these disorders.”

For Lin, studying biostatistics isn’t just about curiosity — it’s a personal matter. After being diagnosed with epilepsy at age 18, she responded well to treatment and has been seizure-free for two years. Now, Lin advocates for those with neurological disorders through her research.

“After my diagnosis, I realized how many neurological disorders are still under-researched and misunderstood,” she said. “I chose to study biostatistics because it connects my interest in neuroscience with the ability to analyze data that can ultimately improve care for people living with these conditions.”

Lin conducts her research under the mentorship of Farnaz Solatikia, a biostatistics research faculty member in the Department of Statistics who also holds a role in the Office of the Vice President for Research. Their current project through FSU’s Directed Individual Study Program, which allows students to design independent research under faculty guidance, explores how epilepsy affects long-term employment outcomes in adults.

“I hope my work bridges the gap between medical research and the lived experiences of people affected by neurological disorders. I want to use my statistical background to conduct studies that are inclusive and diverse. Research needs to acknowledge the social and disability-related aspects of neurological disorders, not just their medical symptoms.”

— Joyce Lin

As a graduate teaching faculty member in the statistics department, Solatikia also taught Lin in Biostatistics and Introduction to Applied Statistics.

“Joyce is one of the most dedicated and capable undergraduate students, demonstrating both intellectual curiosity and a disciplined, analytical approach,” Solatikia said. “Under my mentorship, she’s learned to perform data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, and statistical modeling, all of which are essential in understanding how statistics reflect real-world neurological challenges and daily life.”

In their project, Lin and Solatikia record data from individuals with epilepsy on points like seizure type, frequency, and duration, as well as employment factors including job status, income and career disruptions. Lin will analyze this information using Statistical Analysis System, a software suite used for advanced data management, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling, to better understand the challenges adults with epilepsy face in maintaining employment and everyday independence.

“As someone with epilepsy, one of the biggest struggles I’ve encountered is not being able to drive,” she said. “This made me think about how difficult it is to maintain a job with epilepsy since so many jobs require you to commute to work.”

Since August, Lin has worked to improve statewide health outcomes as an intern with Florida Professionals in Infection Control by analyzing data and recognizing trends in hospital-acquired infections. In a separate collaborative research project for an advanced statistics course, she explored what health factors were most significant in the survival of heart failure patients using SAS and public data from the University of California Irvine Machine Learning Repository.

Lin credits FSU’s supportive faculty in the Department of Statistics, the Office of Accessibility Services, and her care team for her undergraduate success, while her own experience with epilepsy has motivated her to continue using her statistical strengths to find health care solutions that have the potential to improve the lives of millions.

“I hope my work bridges the gap between medical research and the lived experiences of people affected by neurological disorders,” said Lin, who plans to pursue a master’s degree and career in biostatistics following her graduation in Spring 2026. “I want to use my statistical background to conduct studies that are inclusive and diverse. Research needs to acknowledge the social and disability-related aspects of neurological disorders, not just their medical symptoms.”

Jack LaBruno is an FSU student pursuing a degree in media and communication studies. He is set to graduate in May 2027.