SHAUNA SCHIFFMAN
La Jolla,CA
Summary
Passionate about improving consumer experiences and healthcare outcomes with Data Science. Contributed to advancement in cancer identification and personalization of cancer treatment with data analysis and Machine Learning. Driven and analytical with skills that include uncovering insights and solving complex problems. Currently expanding Machine Learning and AI skills. Capable of developing Deep Learning models and producing actionable results. Strong communicator with demonstrated experience in presenting analytical insights and authoring technical papers. Ability to effectively partner with peers and leaders to achieve objectives and deliver results.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Researcher / Data Scientist, Nguyen Lab
UCSD Department of Molecular Biology
06.2025 - Current
- Serving as Lead Data Scientist in research program to detect cancer cells using novel approach
- Leveraging super-resolution imaging and Machine Learning predictive models to uncover sequence-driven mechanisms of nuclear dynamics distinguishing cancer from normal cells
- Building strong relationships with managers and team members through regular meetings to discuss project goals, challenges, and potential solutions. Creating clear, concise reports detailing research progress.
- Presenting research findings regularly
- Optimizing research outcomes by critically analyzing results, identifying trends and discrepancies, and recommending adjustments as necessary.
- Co-authoring research paper
Researcher / Data Scientist, Ideker Lab
UCSD School of Medicine
06.2024 - 05.2025
- Served as Data Scientist in research program to improve cancer patient survival.
- Optimized Visible Neural Network (VNN) models to enhance patient survival predictions for targeted cancer therapies by integrating cancer-type-specific data.
- Optimized research outcomes by developing Few-Shot Learning method to improve results from sparse genetic mutation datasets.
- Presented and participated in lab meetings, contributing insights that improved project direction and focus.
- Demonstrated strong time management skills while balancing multiple tasks including coursework, part-time employment, extracurricular activities alongside research responsibilities.
Summer Intern / Data Scientist, Chuang Lab
Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Served as Data Scientist in research program to improve cancer treatment efficacy through computational cancer image analysis with Deep Learning
- Developed Deep Learning Autoencoder model in Python to extract key features from multiplex melanoma images to predict patient treatment response. The tool is currently utilized by the Chuang lab to improve personalization of cancer treatments and the discovery of novel targeted therapies.
- Participated in team meetings, contributing insights that informed decision-making and project direction
- Presented analytical results and insight regularly to peers and senior leaders
- Formally presented research results and insights in large forum at end of internship
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bioinformatics
University of California San Diego
La Jolla, California06-2027
High School Diploma -
Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford, Connecticut06.2023
Skills
- Predictive Modeling
- Segmentation
- Machine learning / Deep Learning
- Data analyses
- Insight generation / story telling
- Technical writing
- Presentation to large audiences
- Team Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Developed Deep Learning Autoencoder model in Python to extract key features from multiplex melanoma images that predict patient treatment response. The tool is currently utilized by the Chuang lab to improve personalization of cancer treatments and the discovery of novel targeted therapies.
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Limited Working
Interests
- Avid Reader
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Hiking
Timeline
Researcher / Data Scientist, Nguyen Lab
UCSD Department of Molecular Biology
06.2025 - Current
Researcher / Data Scientist, Ideker Lab
UCSD School of Medicine
06.2024 - 05.2025
Summer Intern / Data Scientist, Chuang Lab
Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine
06.2022 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Bioinformatics
University of California San Diego
High School Diploma -
Choate Rosemary Hall