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Roma Sonik
Data Scientist at Booz Allen Hamilton
Roma Sonik, a data analyst and scientist, is dedicated to utilizing her technical expertise to shape policies and programs that make a difference in people's lives. She played a crucial role as a technical lead for the DoD's Coronavirus Taskforce (CVTF), where she integrated insights from policymakers, epidemiologists, and industry leaders to develop tools informing the DoD's response to COVID-19. Roma's contributions included creating data-driven solutions such as predictive models for COVID-19 spread, tools for assessing installations, and Common Operating Models for vaccination and testing, all aimed at translating complex data into actionable insights for policymakers.
Roma holds a dual major in Chemistry and Public Policy from Duke University and has been recognized with esteemed scholarships like the Fulbright Scholarship and the Alice M. Baldwin Scholarship. Her educational background equipped her with a solid foundation to excel in her field.
Throughout her career, Roma has held various significant roles, including Mid Data Scientist at Booz Allen Hamilton, Consultant at the same organization, a Fulbright Scholar, a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and Research Intern positions at reputable institutions like the United States Department of Defense and Global Risk Advisors.
Moreover, Roma's involvement in leadership roles such as Co-Director at Carolina-Duke Global Leadership Institute, Outreach Chair at Duke Engineers for International Development, and roles within different university programs and organizations demonstrates her passion for making a positive impact and fostering growth and development within communities.
With a diverse professional background ranging from data analysis to policy development, Roma Sonik's journey exemplifies her commitment to leveraging her skills to drive meaningful change and improve decision-making processes in various sectors.
Highlights
A much-delayed LinkedIn announcement, but better late than never :)
Excited to share that over the past two years, I have been pursuing my M.D. at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester, MN!
The years of working with and living through COVID taught me a lot about what I hold dear and what legacy I hope to leave before I’m gone. I’ll spare you my personal statement, but in short, after a handful of years working with the COVID Taskforce team and even more years of telling stories with data, it has been exciting and rewarding to continue building towards a career at the intersection of a lot of the things I care about: science, innovation, and advocacy.
It has been gratifying to be back in school learning about the endless avenues of improving the health of our communities. The hospital wards are a far cry from the government offices of DC, but feeling very hopeful for the future! ✨
I’m grateful to my friends, family, and mentors for being a kinder presence in my life than I probably deserve. Very blessed to have endless advocates, unlikely supporters, and a barrage of encouragement from seemingly everyone. I know that’s rare. Special shout out to Sumiko Mekaru, DVM, PhD, Riki Ohira, Ph.D., PMP, Kimberly Elenberg and many others who encouraged and supported in making this shift!
A big shout out to my colleagues and mentors at Advana over the past 5 years! It has been such an honor and privilege to work alongside so many talented and hardworking data scientists, scientists, and engineers. Hoping to continue to discover, understand, and decide for the rest of my career. 😉
If you are in Rochester, are considering pursuing medicine nontraditionally, or have any recommendations on how to brave long shifts without sleep, please let me know! Looking forward to the second half of medical school in the BAY-GUH, as the Minnesotans say.
A few photos from my first half of med school below!
