David Corliss is lead, Industrial Business Analytics, and manager, Data Science Center of Excellence, Stellantis. He serves on the steering committee for the Conference on Statistical Practice and is the founder of Peace-Work.
With the start of a new school year, Stats4Good takes a look at some of the ways the ASA empowers students to act for the greater good.
One of the most important ways the ASA supports D4G work by students is through its more than 100 student chapters, including three in foreign countries. The chapters help students network, bring in speakers, write and present research, and learn about internships and job opportunities. They also make the perfect setting for Data for Good projects.
In opportunities this month, the International Conference on Health Policy Statistics is accepting applications for student travel awards through September 15.
Statistical advocacy through policy is one of the most effective ways to turn science research into major public impact.
Also, the start of the academic year is a great time to get involved. Mentor a student, be a statistical expert for a capstone project, volunteer for DataFest, help with high-school science fair projects … there are so many ways to be an advocate!
Like all of statistical science, Data for Good is only a generation or two away from extinction. By involving and supporting students, we can all help build a bright future for Data for Good.
For example, the student chapters at George Mason and George Washington universities organized a hackathon in 2018 to identify informative features in the Global Terrorism Database.
No chapter at your school? No problem—the ASA can help. Ask a faculty adviser or chapter president to fill out the application form.
Regular ASA chapters can get involved, too. Having a speaker talk about their D4G project is a great way to reach out to new members and even the general public. Chapters also support education in math and statistics, which is one of the Data for Good community’s most important activities, and promote D4G by judging science fairs and participating in hackathons. As the leading advocate for statistical science in their communities, ASA chapters should know best the particular needs in their local area and facilitate the involvement of experts to promote data-driven solutions.
Another way the ASA supports student activities in D4G is through committees and outreach groups. While this will be especially important for D4G-oriented teams like JEDI or science policy, nearly all ASA committees and outreach groups have a strong student component.
Students also play a vital role in ASA conferences. Student posters are one of the best ways to get more actively involved in the ASA, learn presentation skills, and network with a variety of people in your field. Student posters this year at JSM included research from dozens of students in every area of Data for Good.
Nearly every ASA program creates opportunities for students, and they can all be harnessed for Data for Good projects. Whether you are a student, educator, or mentor, there are opportunities to be involved in making an impact for good today while building the future of Data for Good.
You can always email me to get information about D4G activities or let me know about what you have been doing.
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