Shih-ying
(Clare) Chao
SUMMARY
Data Analyst and Visualization Specialist and former Research Scientist with a
decade experience in biomedical imaging research, data analysis, and
visualization. Expert in Python and its data analysis packages and quick to
learn tools on the job. Passionate about automating data analysis pipeline and
leveraging modern technologies for effective reporting and communication.
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Work Experience
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Data Visualization Specialist Volunteer - March 2025 to April 2025
San Francisco, CA 94122
• Analyzed survey data from parents and teens to identify trends in user behavior and
linkedin.com/in/shihyinghuang
• Managed qualitative survey data through data wrangling and cleaning for effective data
github.com/clarehchao
• Designed and created a multi-page interactive dashboard using Python Plotly & Dash
experience across different demographics
analysis
framework with CSS to facilitate data exploratory analysis for investors and stakeholders.
Skills
• Proficient: Python (Numpy, Pandas,
Seaborn, Plotly, Dash, Scikit-Learn, Jupyter
Notebook), C, C++, Matlab
• Familiar: R, Scala (Apache Spark GraphX
API), SQL, BASH, CSS
• Scientific applications: Geant4 particle
transport Monte Carlo software, Root,
ImageJ, Amide, Amira
• Others: Procreate, LaTeX, Adobe
Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Languages: Mandarin Chinese (native and
bilingual proficiency) & Taiwanese
Education
University of California, Davis
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering
(Fall 2004 - Fall 2011)
University of California, San Diego
B.S. Electrical and Computer
Engineering and B.A. Economics
(Fall 2000 - Spring 2004)
Sabbatical: Skills Development - 2018 to 2024
• Project Management: Co-founded and managed a cooperative preschool program,
overseeing 5-15 students and 5-10 parent-educators while coordinating activities and
balancing multiple household priorities.
• User-Centric Curriculum Development: Designed and implemented personalized educational
activities to meet the unique learning needs and interests of each student.
• Stakeholder Communication: Acted as the primary point of contact between teachers and
parents, fostering clear and effective communication across diverse groups.
• Resource Optimization: Utilized analytical skills to manage household budgets and
resources, ensuring efficient use of time, space, and materials.
• Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Led collaboration with parents to create educational
enrichment programs and fundraising initiatives, contributing significant financial support to a
local elementary school.
• Career Transition & Upskilling: Transitioned from family management to data visualization by
completing the “Python Data Visualization: Dashboards with Plotly & Dash” course on Udemy,
alongside a volunteer project using Python, Pandas, and Plotly/Dash framework to their
particular interest.
Medial Imaging Data Scientist - UC San Francisco - 2011 to 2018
• Pretherapy Dosimetry & Workflow Automation: Estimated patient-specific pretherapy
dosimetry for 5 patients undergoing targeted radionuclide therapy by implementing imagebased Monte Carlo simulations. Automated the image-based dosimetry workflow using
Python and guided oncologists in evaluating therapy effectiveness for patients with relapsed
or recurrent neuroblastoma.
• Unsupervised Clustering Analysis & Supervised Learning: Led an unsupervised clustering
analysis using R and Python to investigate the correlation between PET and MR image
features and breast cancer outcomes. Collaborated with imaging scientists, statisticians,
and physicians to apply machine learning models for predicting breast cancer phenotypes
and prognosis. Found that image texture features from PET and MR scans have potential for
predicting cancer outcomes.
• Research & Industry Collaboration: Conducted proof-of-concept experiments and analysis,
Certifications
• Completed “Python Data Visualization:
Dashboards with Plotly & Dash” by Udemy
(2025)
acting as a liaison between research teams and industry stakeholders to provide insights and
recommendations (see more details).
Breast Imaging Graduate Researcher - UC Davis - 2004 to 2011
• Algorithm Development & Image Analysis: Developed advanced image analysis algorithms
to characterize breast anatomy using breast CT scans from over 200 patients, establishing
a gold standard reference for breast cancer research, including image simulation, dosimetry
estimation, and imaging system optimization.
• Dual-Energy Mammography Optimization: Optimized dynamic dual-energy mammography
using breast CT systems to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
• Detector Modeling: Developed a semi-empirical detector model combining analytical
methods with empirical data for precise image simulations.
• Phantom Development: Built static and dynamic breast phantoms in C++ that
replicated contrast agent flow profiles for realistic cancer imaging simulations
• Parameter Optimization: Evaluated imaging filters, patient sizes, dosimetry, and
timing to maximize image quality while maintaining patient safety.
