Sweet Briar College Magazine - Spring 2016

Katie Kirkwood ’04
TITLE: Clinical trials administrative and data
manager in the Department of Population Health
Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at
Mount Sinai
JOB IN BRIEF: Biostatistician for the
Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network, involving
study design and planning, data management,
statistical analysis and manuscript publishing, and
some statistical methodology research
STUDIED: B.S. in mathematics and physics;
M.S. in engineering sciences from Yale
LIVES IN: Upper East Side
NEW YORKER SINCE: 2012
FROM: Sweet Briar, Va.
One of the most New York things about me is Silvy’s
routines. I love how dog-centric the city is. People stop
to talk to dogs all the time, so I’ve met a lot of neighbors
that way. Dogs are allowed in stores, so we shop together.
We also enjoy brunch with friends when the weather is
warm and restaurants have outdoor seating where dogs are
allowed. Also, walking everywhere, including the 12 blocks
to work.
It is really, really hard to pick just one favorite thing
about New York! Top three are everything dog-friendly,
the Philharmonic, and all the food. OK, and maybe all the
different parks if I add a fourth.
Becoming a New Yorker has been a slow assimilation, but
it’s hard to imagine living elsewhere at this point. Buying
my apartment made me feel like the move was permanent.
Being able to get new places and giving directions without
looking up at subway stops was another sign. Also, this may
sound strange, but learning how to cross the street like a
New Yorker — staring at drivers trying to turn while walking
across streets instead of waiting for the car, or slipping
between cars instead of waiting for the light to change.
Nobody likes to waste time!
Photo: The Yorkville firehouse in Manhattan (in background) is
a regular stop on the way to the park for Saturday walks. Silvy
visits with the firefighers, who keep a supply of treats
for canine visitors.
SBC.EDU | SWEET BRIAR MAGAZINE
21