The Pheno-Type: Stephny Geread
Meet Stephny Geread, a senior data scientist at BioSymetrics with a passion for blending technology and healthcare to drive innovation. With a background in biomedical and electrical engineering, she has worked on projects ranging from telecommunications to developing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostic tools for breast cancer detection. Her unique journey bridges diverse fields, underscoring her commitment to creating impactful solutions in medicine and beyond. Read on about her experiences and insights in the world of data science, AI, and medical technology!
“Bridging medicine and technology in this way is incredibly rewarding, as it allows us to develop solutions that are not only scientifically robust but also truly meaningful for patient care.”
Tell us more about your journey leading up to BioSymetrics.
I began my journey with an undergraduate education at McMaster University, where I pursued a Bachelor of Engineering. Alongside my engineering studies, I took biology courses to deepen my understanding of genetics and microbiology.
During my time at McMaster, I interned at McMaster Family Practice, where I gained valuable experience in data management. This role introduced me to the world of digital data generation in medicine, sparking my interest in the intersection of healthcare and technology even further.
Afterward, I interned at Bell Canada in the telecommunications and devices department. During this time, I gained knowledge about radio frequency (RF) cages and the complexities of data packet transmission. Additionally, I enhanced my technical skills in programming through web development, further broadening my technical expertise.
After these experiences, I found myself increasingly drawn back to the field of biological diseases, which had always fascinated me. This interest led me to enrol in the Masters of Applied Sciences (MASc), program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), which was in collaboration with St. Michael’s Hospital, Ontario Veterinarian College, University Health Networks, including Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. During my graduate studies, I developed various types of automated diagnostic tools for breast cancer, utilizing traditional image processing, machine learning and supervised learning in AI. Here, I also learned how to leverage technology to derive insights in medicine. My experience here gave me the opportunity to work closely with pathologists and physicians, allowing me to apply my engineering and biological expertise to develop innovative healthcare solutions.
This journey has provided me with a unique blend of skills and perspectives, combining engineering, biology, and healthcare, which I am eager to continue applying in the field of medical technology, diagnostics and precision medicine.
Fascinating that you’ve made the move from and back to the medical sciences! How would you say (bio)medicine and telecommunications differ in terms of the projects and skillsets needed for those fields?
There are notable differences in the projects and skill sets between telecommunications and biomedicine, and my experience in both has given me unique insights.
In telecommunications, the work is highly technical and typically revolves around optimizing systems for reliability and efficiency. At Bell Mobility, I was involved in developing and testing web-based applications that supported device qualification processes, requiring skills in programming, version control, and testing methodologies like test-driven development (TDD). Additionally, I gained hands-on experience with RF equipment to assess device performance under various network conditions, such as signal transitions and data packet handling. This role called for a focus on data accuracy, system stability, and the seamless functioning of complex infrastructure.
Biomedicine, by contrast, is deeply research-focused and often involves working with complex biological data to ultimately improve patient outcomes. In my graduate studies and subsequent work, I concentrated on developing diagnostic tools for breast cancer, leveraging machine learning and AI to interpret medical images with precision. This work required not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of biological systems, disease pathology, and the intricacies of medical imaging to create tools that could truly benefit clinicians.
The collaborative environment in biomedicine allowed me to work closely with pathologists and healthcare providers, where I saw firsthand how these tools could influence patient care. Developing these diagnostic applications was not just about technical accuracy but about ensuring interpretability and clinical relevance, so that the insights provided were genuinely useful to physicians making crucial decisions. Working in this field introduced an ethical and patient-centered responsibility unique to healthcare, as each technological advancement has a direct impact on patient well-being. This focus on empathy, alongside rigorous data analysis and validation, is essential in medical technology, adding a layer of significance to the technical work that is often not as prominent in other fields.
Both fields rely heavily on analytical and problem-solving skills, but biomedicine adds a strong focus on ethics and patient well-being. In telecommunications, the goal is often optimizing data integrity and system performance. In bio-medicine, though, we combine technical skills with clinical understanding to directly improve healthcare outcomes. Bridging medicine and technology in this way is incredibly rewarding, as it allows us to develop solutions that are not only scientifically robust but also truly meaningful for patient care.
Awesome that you find great motivation in combining medicine and technology! Given your unique background between engineering, telecommunications, and biomedicine, what key lessons would you pass on to someone looking to break into AI and drug discovery, especially from a non-adjacent field?
Leverage your background – fields such as engineering equip you with adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to learn quickly, all of which are invaluable for transitioning to a new field. Develop a strong foundation in AI concepts such as machine learning and deep learning, while also acquiring a basic understanding of biomedicine. Always stay open to learning and keep up with state-of-the-art technologies, as new models and architectures are released rapidly; embrace these advancements and dive deeper into understanding them. Engage with experts to broaden your perspective, stay curious, and actively explore emerging technologies like generative AI. Above all, approach the journey step by step, maintain resilience, and take time to celebrate your progress.
Now for something light-hearted! What's something interesting or unique about you that not many people might know about?
One unique thing about me is my passion for working with my hands, particularly in household renovations and woodworking. Growing up, I learned the ins and outs of home improvement by assisting my dad with various remodelling projects. Recently, I've developed a strong interest in woodworking. This past summer, I took on the challenge of transforming my backyard, crafting a fence gate from scrap wood, building a wooden gazebo, designing a stacked raised garden bed, and creating a custom patio set. It was an incredibly fulfilling project that combined creativity, craftsmanship, and my love for DIY projects. It helps me clear my mind and focus on the task at hand, offering a refreshing break from the daily routine. It’s also rewarding to see the before-and-after transformations, and it gives me the chance to learn new skills while truly enjoying the process!
By Simon Eng – December 7, 2024