Lewis Paton, Lecturer in Data Science, Hull York Medical School
Lewis is a Lecturer in Data Science at the Hull York Medical School, University of York.
He first joined the University as a Research Fellow in the Department of Health Sciences after completing a PhD in Statistics.
email: lewis.paton@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Lewis:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
My research focuses on how we can apply statistics and machine learning to large datasets, to try and hopefully answer important policy relevant questions relating to mental health and wellbeing.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
When data reveals something new or interesting that could potentially have a positive impact! I also really value the interdisciplinary nature of the work, working with colleagues from different academic backgrounds as well as experts by experience to formulate research questions and interpret findings.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Coming from a mathematical background, understanding the complex field of mental health and where my work and findings fit into that field can be a challenge at times!
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
Huge amounts of data are generated every day. I hope that the work we do is a small part of making better use of that data by raising new insights into the identification or treatment of mental health problems. Ultimately the hope is that these insights then translate into real-world benefits!
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
I try and do some form of exercise every day, even when I don’t feel like it!