Building the Biostatistics Pipeline

• Activity Number: 528
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Teaching of Statistics in the Health Sciences
• Author(s): Vanessa Xanthakis*+ and Allison Cox and Carlee Moser and Audrey Hendricks and Alisa Manning and Jacqueline Milton and Rachel Hunter-Merrill and Sean Lacey and Robin Young and Josee Dupuis and Lisa M. Sullivan
• Companies: Boston University School of Public Health and Upward Bound Math Science, Boston University and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University and Boston University School of Public Health and Boston University School of Public Health
• Keywords: Biostatistics ; Innovation ; Active Learning

Abstract

Upward Bound Math and Science at Boston University is a program designed to aid first-generation, low-income Boston Public High School students achieve their goal of admission to college. Innovative hands-on modules on key topics in Biostatistics were developed and delivered by doctoral students, focusing on interdisciplinary thinking and active participation of students. Sessions included fun, engaging activities, providing a clear understanding of key concepts of Biostatistics using real-life public health examples. Modules illustrated descriptive statistics, application and interpretation of probability, and concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing. At the end of the sessions, students were able to interpret probabilities and understand sampling error and chance. Programs such as these are a first step towards piquing young students interest in Biostatistics as a career.