Expanding Undergraduate Research Opportunities Beyond Academia

• Activity Number: 238
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, August 10, 2015 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee
• Author(s): Debra Hydorn*
• Companies: University of Mary Washington
• Keywords: Statistics Education ; Undergraduate Research ; Statistical Practice ; Community-Based Education

Abstract

Participating in an undergraduate research project is an effective way to provide students with experience in the practice of statistics. One way to expand the opportunities available to students is to partner with researchers at non-academic institutions in the community. This paper will describe a program that was started in 2014 where students work on projects with researchers at a local navy base. Most of the projects have been interdisciplinary in nature, requiring teams of students to employ both statistical and computer science skills. Details about specific projects, how the program was established and how students are selected and prepared will be provided.