Student Spotlight: Jaini Shah, MS'25

Bridging Data and Compassion in Healthcare.

Jaini Shah has long been curious about how data can be used to make healthcare smarter and more personalized. Her curiosity deepened when she began to see how powerful data could be in healthcare, capable of predicting patient outcomes, mapping disease risks, and personalizing care in ways that truly matter. That fascination grew into a calling. “It just felt like the perfect mix of analytical thinking and meaningful impact,” she says.

When it came time to choose a graduate program, Jaini was searching for more than just academic rigor—she wanted to be part of a community that would fuel her passion and help turn her ideas into action. Dartmouth’s Health Data Science program at the Geisel School of Medicine offered exactly that. “When I visited Dartmouth, it felt like a place where big ideas were welcome, and the support was there to make them happen,” she recalls. The blend of research opportunity, personal connection, and mission-driven work made her decision easy.

At Dartmouth, Jaini found herself immersed in a curriculum that didn’t just challenge her—it inspired her. Her work has taken her deep into machine learning models applied to clinical questions, including projects that predict hospital readmissions and examine the long-term neurological effects of viral infections. These hands-on experiences have been pivotal, shaping her ambitions and reinforcing her desire to stay at the intersection of data science and patient care.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her time at Dartmouth has been the culture of support. “I expected a rigorous program, but I didn’t realize how generous people would be with their time and knowledge,” she reflects. Whether through late-night brainstorming sessions with peers or one-on-one mentorship from faculty, she’s found an environment where curiosity is encouraged and collaboration is second nature. “Every class feels connected to something meaningful—it’s hard not to get excited about what you're learning.”

Looking ahead, Jaini is planning to pursue an MD-PhD with the goal of establishing a research lab that combines artificial intelligence with cardiology research. She envisions a future where computational models not only enhance diagnostics but also lead to smarter, more compassionate care. “AI is going to shape the future of healthcare in a big way,” she says. “And Dartmouth has given me the technical foundation, clinical perspective, and research experience to be a part of that change.”

To incoming students, Jaini offers heartfelt advice: be curious, ask the bold questions, and don’t be afraid to take up space. “Explore different topics and find what really excites you—you might surprise yourself,” she encourages. And outside the classroom? She recommends balancing intense study with moments of stillness and discovery. “Take a walk along the river trail, relax on the Green, or go to a seminar that’s completely outside your field. Some of my best ideas have come from moments like that.”

For Jaini Shah, Dartmouth has been more than a program—it’s been a launchpad for a career grounded in innovation, empathy, and a belief that the right data, in the right hands, can help transform lives.

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 6/5/2025 AT 12:01 PM IN #studentspotlight #HealthDataScience #MS #2025