Prakash Gorroochurn

Assistant Professor of Biostatistics
Columbia University, New York

Bachelor of Science (Honours)
PhD in mathematical sciences

"The work here is highly competitive and very stimulating since there is so much emphasis on genetic research in the US."

After I did my PhD at Monash University, I worked as Lecturer at the University of Mauritius from 1999 to 2003. In 2003 I was promoted to Senior Lecturer at the University of Mauritius and in the same year I joined the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, as Assistant Professor.

My main objectives here at Columbia University are to add and broaden the already existing expertise in genetic methodology, especially it’s more theoretical side, to participate in research projects in cancer population genetics and also to teach. The work here is highly competitive and very stimulating since there is so much emphasis on genetic research nowadays in the US.

I really enjoyed my PhD days at Monash for many reasons. Firstly, I had the benefit of working with one of the leading researchers in population genetics, namely Dr RC Griffiths, who gave me the stimulation to do research and whom I found very easy to work with. I was also very influenced and motivated by Professor Warrens who also taught me Mathematical Population Genetics.

Moreover, I personally found the Department to be very co-operative and eager to help. Finally, I believe that Monash University had the right sort of infrastructure for me to successfully complete my PhD.