Kenny Chiu
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
After my undergraduate studies in computer science and statistics, I spent a year working as a business intelligence specialist in industry, focusing on data warehousing. During this time, I realized I enjoyed the more statistical aspects of my work, which motivated me to pursue further learning. I decided to return to UBC for a master's degree in statistics, which was a big decision for me at the time, given that I did not personally know anyone with graduate school experience who I could talk to. Looking back, I am incredibly glad that I made that choice, as I not only deepened my passion for statistics but also found myself thriving in the academic environment and community. And now, here I am, working towards my PhD!
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose UBC for my undergraduate studies as I have family here and wanted to stay local. During my time there, I fell in love with the beautiful campus and the inclusive environment, and I built strong connections with many amazing individuals who have greatly shaped who I am today. When I was considering leaving industry for graduate school, I was determined that I would only do so if it was at UBC. Fortunately, it all worked out, and now, over ten years later, I still love everything the university and campus have to offer!
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
My favourite courses throughout my undergraduate degree were all courses offered by the Department of Statistics, and so I already had firsthand experience with the statistics education at UBC. Although I ended up not pursuing it, I was also initially interested in the co-operative education option available to Statistics MSc students, as I had a great experience with computer science co-op during my undergraduate studies.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
One thing that surprised me about being a graduate student at UBC is the sheer number and diversity of opportunities available. Beyond classes and my own research, I have access to reading groups, department seminars, statistical consulting opportunities, teaching workshops and mentorship, and so much more. Engaging with these opportunities has helped me discover new interests and gain a better understanding of who I am and where I want to take my degree and career. There truly is something for every graduate student here!
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Even though I eventually left industry, the time that I spent working was invaluable and greatly benefited me in graduate school. It allowed me to further develop soft skills like communication and collaboration that you rarely get to practice in the classroom, and it also provided me with deeper insight into what I like and dislike in a career. This ultimately helped keep me motivated throughout graduate school and encouraged me to continuously seek new opportunities.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love food and exploring new eats, and Metro Vancouver is a great destination for doing so. The Lower Mainland boasts a diverse range of cuisines, and there always seems to be something new that I need to try!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Do not hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and explore new opportunities! You never know where life takes you, and with some luck, you may very well discover a new passion. Also, get involved in your department and build connections with everyone. A strong support network not only makes the experience more enjoyable but can also open new doors and provide much-needed solidarity during challenging times. Actively participate in your department’s graduate student association if it exists, or consider starting one with a few friends!
Learn more about Kenny's research
Symmetry, the invariance of an object under certain transformations like scaling and reflection, can be leveraged to simplify models and tasks when present. For example, in chemistry, a molecule's symmetry may help explain or predict its chemical properties, while in particle physics, the Standard Model obeys specific symmetry constraints, with deviations in empirical data potentially signaling new physics. However, determining whether the underlying process that generated the observed data possesses a particular symmetry can be challenging. My research focuses on the development of nonparametric statistical tests designed to detect the presence of (conditional) symmetry in the data-generating distribution, given only a single sample of independent and identically distributed observations.