My primary research interests lie in the field of machine learning and its applications to health and biology. For this reason, I am particularly drawn to the area of computational biology. My fascination with machine learning began the first time I heard of artificial neural networks. The notion of biologically-inspired computer constructs was something that immediately struck a chord with me. As my understanding of the greater subject of machine learning increased, I began to learn not only about how biology had inspired machine learning, as was the case with artificial neural networks, but also about how machine learning has been inspiring new ways of approaching biological problems. My educational background in the biological sciences allowed me to focus on broadening my understanding of machine learning techniques without also having to learn the minutia of the biological systems …show more content…
However, what I was able to ascertain about computational biology and machine learning throughout the course of my undergraduate education was just enough for me to know that there is so much more to learn. I cannot recall ever being as fascinated by a topic. Not only does machine learning pique my interest in the computer sciences, but the fact that it can be applied to so many subjects and problems further inspires me to continue my education. The benefits to both health and the biological sciences that can be obtained through the use of machine learning are still, in my opinion, largely in their infancy. I believe there are many more problem areas to be explored in the realm of computational biology and there is no other field I would rather build my career around. My intention is to pursue a Ph.D. in the field of computer science with a research focus on the area of machine learning and its applications in computational biology and health. I would then like to teach and conduct further research in a clinical or