Statistical Outreach and Awareness: How to Make an Impact

• Activity Number: 280 - Statistical Outreach and Awareness: How to Make an Impact
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section for Statistical Programmers and Analysts
• Author(s): Renee Moore* and Jesse Chittams* and Darius McDaniel* and Mark Ward* and Lillian Prince*
• Companies: Emory and Emory University and Kent State University and Purdue University and University of Pennsylvania
• Keywords: outreach; programming; awareness; diversity; women; data science

Abstract

This session will highlight statistical outreach and awareness initiatives that all share a common goal, making an impact in communities. These kinds of initiatives are critical to maintaining a pipeline of strong and diverse statisticians, programmers and data scientists. Furthermore, there are growing interests in the development of programs, courses and workshops that offer experiences such as exposure to various careers, hands on programming opportunities, shadowing and mentoring.

The speakers from functions within industry and academia will give their thoughts on the importance of engaging in these initiatives and the type of impact that they can have on one’s career. The panelists will share their first hand experiences on successfully organizing and executing such initiatives, as well as provide answers to those that are interested in becoming involved. This topic will not only benefit ASA working groups by providing ways to increase statistical awareness and ideas on how to effectively use ASA generated funds but it will also appeal to those that are actively involved in increasing diversity and the representation of women within the fields of statistics and data science.