Statisticians and data scientists—we are one community. Individuals across the career spectrum—student, employed, or retired—we are one community. Those working in academia, government, or industry—we are one community. But our range of skills, research foci, professional interests, and individual attributes vary dramatically. That diversity informs our mission: to promote the practice and profession of statistics. Our vision is a world that relies on data and statistical thinking to drive discovery and inform decisions.
The ASA includes many types of statisticians and data scientists in the “big tent,” defined by 2012 ASA President Bob Rodriguez when he said, “Our future strength over the next 25 years will be to include anyone who uses statistical methods to solve problems, including problems that draw on new types of data in science, business, and policymaking.” Aligned with the big tent vision, the ASA seeks to serve members in the diversity of their statistical practice.
Statisticians have made groundbreaking contributions to both existing and emerging areas (ranging from public polling to automated driving systems). But not everyone recognizes the value added of our discipline or the central role the ASA plays in sustaining and enhancing our influence. We must do better. Regardless of whom we serve—whether they call themselves statisticians, data scientists, informaticians, or analysts—we must continue to confirm the value of statistical thinking and highlight our contributions. We must be able to explain, demonstrate, and prove that value to students, to the media and—most of all—to society. Individually and together, we can grow our influence.
Ongoing ASA Initiatives
As Bob Rodriguez predicted in his 2012 president’s address, there’s been unprecedented growth in analytics and data science, and more recently in the field of AI. The access to big data and modern, fast computing has fueled even greater growth. Simultaneously over this period, there has been an explosion of ASA-wide activities. In this president’s corner, I will highlight two ASA outreach groups formed in direct response to recent developments in our field.
Members of the Committee on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence strive to understand the landscape of data science and artificial intelligence, commonly called AI, and serve as a proactive voice for ASA members working in these areas. This committee also advises the ASA Board of Directors on strategic planning related to the data science and AI fields, suggests ways to engage ASA members in these areas, and strives to attract nonmembers working in these fields to the ASA.
As president-elect, I worked with committee chair Mark Glickman to expand the committee’s charge and composition to include members from different sectors, thereby broadening its representation and including individuals from across career stages.
I want to alert you to exciting plans for 2024, including a survey on the use of generative AI administered to ASA members, the continuation of an ASA webinar series on relevant AI topics for statisticians and data scientists, and the completion of a statement on ethical AI principles for statistical practitioners (in collaboration with the Committee on Professional Ethics).
I am also looking forward to working with the ASA Influencing Discovery Exploration and Action (IDEA) Forum committee late this year.
The Caucus of Industry Representatives, launched two years ago, strives to increase the visibility and influence of statistics within industry. Specifically, the caucus offers a forum for surfacing issues related to industry statisticians and data scientists and facilitates interaction between industry leaders in much the same way as the Caucus of Academic Representatives serves the academic community. Learn about the caucus’ initial accomplishments.
Upcoming plans include continuing education, cross-organizational collaboration, and building greater awareness of the significant impact made by statisticians and data scientists working in different application areas within industry. If you are passionate about making the ASA an even more inclusive environment for industry statisticians and data scientists, the caucus leadership welcomes your input and participation. You can connect through their website or email caucus chair Ginger Holt.
These are just two examples of ongoing ASA outreach activities intended to grow the big tent. I am simply amazed by the number of exciting initiatives simultaneously underway within our society—all made possible by passionate, visionary volunteers working with dedicated, exceptional ASA staff.
How Can You Expand the Big Tent?
After hearing about these initiatives, I hope you are asking yourself how you can make a difference. Perhaps launch an activity in your section, chapter, or committee? Or organize a session at an ASA-sponsored conference? If you’re looking for ideas, read “What Supports the Big Tent for Statistics and Data Science” by former ASA Vice President Katherine Monti.
A recent report by the ASA Committee on Membership Retention and Recruitment highlighted that members who find their community get the most out of an ASA membership. The report also noted that the size of the ASA (about 14,000 members) sometimes makes it hard to identify “good fits.” Reflecting on my personal experience, I offer a few suggestions to find and grow your network.
Joining an ASA section or interest group is an easy entry. Statistics is a diverse profession, with application to multiple areas, each of which may use different methodologies and applications.
ASA sections (n=30) and interest groups (n=11), which are organized by subject-area and/or industry, offer an excellent venue for statisticians with similar interests to connect. They offer benefits such as year-round programming (e.g., webinars, conference programs), mentoring, and networking. Many ASA members attain leadership experience through sections. There are also section-sponsored awards, including student travel awards to recognize excellence and facilitate participation at conferences.
Another easy entry point is to join an ASA chapter (n=73). Chapters foster engagement with and connection to regional communities of statisticians and data scientists. They organize meetings and networking events, provide continuing education, and promote statistics to local schools and colleges.
Chapters are grouped by region and district to allow the ASA to communicate effectively on a local level. For example, my local chapter (San Francisco Bay Area) recently organized a panel discussion titled “Opportunities for Innovation in Statistics and Data Science with the Advent of ChatGPT.”
Additionally, students can join or launch a local student chapter. There are more than 100 student chapters today, with the first student chapter in Africa founded in Nigeria.
The Next Step Is Yours
You have enormous opportunity to foster and enrich our community. Participating at conferences through organizing a session or simply attending, volunteering for leadership positions, working on ASA committees, organizing events, contributing expertise to special projects—these and many other activities can strengthen the ASA and thereby increase our influence. But it’s not a one-way street. Each activity will spur growth for individuals such as identifying new research ideas and collaborations, building confidence and public speaking skills, or developing organizational (e.g., budgeting) and leadership skills. Each interaction and experience will lead to new connections, enriching both our professional and personal lives.
In today’s world, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others. By actively engaging with the ASA, you will strengthen our collective voice and influence. We are uniquely positioned to drive positive change within our organization, across the diverse areas in which we work, and within the communities (e.g., chapters, sections, interest groups, committees, and outreach groups) we serve. Please consider volunteering to serve on a committee.
Leave a Reply