I was fortunate that my professors introduced me to the ASA early on in my studies in biostatistics. It was at the Joint Statistical Meetings that I started developing my presentation and networking skills. As a master’s student, I could not think of better training in scientific communication than giving a talk at JSM and answering audience questions. Networking at the conference and participating in JSM Career Service events provided me with opportunities post-graduation.
Later, as I contemplated returning to graduate studies, the ASA was once again there to support my next steps with resources available for prospective students. These resources included data compiled by ASA members on all available biostatistics and statistics programs in the United States, as well as baseline information about each program. An important factor for me was finding a program that was well balanced in terms of gender representation, and the ASA had this data compiled. Using these resources, I was able to begin doctoral studies in a department that reflected my values and learning goals.
As a biostatistics doctoral student at the University of South Carolina, I have had the opportunity to participate in events organized by the local ASA chapter. This has helped me connect with members of the local statistics community, get to know my professors and classmates better, and learn from talks given by invited scholars. It is also through help from the ASA that I was able to locate doctoral funding opportunities and apply successfully. Among resources provided for early-career statisticians is a comprehensive list of funding provided by organizations in government, industry, and academia.
Recently, with the transition to online work and studies brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, topics of accessibility and inclusivity have gained momentum and visibility. To continue highlighting the importance of these topics, a group of ASA members came together to revive the ASA’s Committee on Statistics and Disability. Last year, I accepted the role of committee chair. After enjoying benefits provided by ASA membership for a few years, it was time for me to get involved and give back to the community that long supported me.
I and fellow committee members have reformulated the CSD’s charge to incorporate the ASA’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility and to promote best practices, as well as universal design within the statistics community and broader. We recently described our latest initiatives in the Committee Spotlight column in the December 2021 issue of Amstat News.
The CSD’s work was also discussed in the February episode of Practical Significance hosted by the ASA’s Donna Lalonde and Ron Wasserstein. Finally, we are cosponsoring three sessions at JSM 2022.
I would like to invite any ASA member interested in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the statistics community to contact me or a member of the CSD to be included in our initiatives. I look forward to continuing to interact with the ASA throughout my career and beyond, whether it is by volunteering, engaging with other ASA members, or leveraging resources provided by the ASA.
Thank you for the article.