The 2024 Joint Statistical Meetings will be the largest gathering of statisticians and data scientists in North America this year and JEDIs are set to play a leading role. The JEDI Outreach Group is the primary or co-sponsor for 11 sessions this year, with leading researchers and emerging leaders covering a wide variety of interests. In all, there are almost 40 presentations, meetings, and other events focusing on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
In JEDI research, data issues constitute important and pervasive challenges. Therefore, data best practices for diverse populations will be the focus of the following sessions:
- #1400 (ENAR) – “Missingness, Marginalization, and Misinformation: How Data Issues Perpetuate Cultural Biases and Impede Scientific Research for Underrepresented Communities”
- #1108 (WNAR) – “Considerations and Best Practices for Use of Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Data Science Research”
- #1570 (Oregon Health and Science University) – “Infusing Data Equity Principles into Health Research: Training Initiatives and Implementation in Practice”
These sessions are from organizations in the health sciences with data concerns around diverse populations and the potential for bias. However, it’s the methodology that really matters, and you can learn from these sessions. All my own work in human rights analytics is rooted in learning data methods from biostatisticians. If your work supports marginalized populations, these sessions on best practices for data teach essential skills.
Analytic methods are well represented at JSM, as well, with several sessions focusing on applications in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Analytic methods for investigating intersectionality with disability are explored in session #1377.
Another area of great interest today in need of more statisticians and data scientists is the use of force by police. In November 2023, the National Institute of Statistical Sciences Ingram Olkin Forum held a workshop titled “Statistical Challenges in the Analysis of Police Use of Force.” Findings from the workshop and next steps will be presented in session #1348.
Cutting-edge advances in statistical science are the subject of session #1802, “Unchartered Methods in Health Equity Research.” Like data best practices, the papers in this session may have been developed to address a particular situation but the methodologies are applicable to all JEDI subjects.
Statistics education is another major area with many presentations at JSM. Starting from the ground up, session #1579, “Empowering Educators: Supporting Equitable Teaching of Statistics & Data Science Across Grades K–16,” will focus on teaching the teachers (shout-out to my statistical alma mater, Eastern Michigan, represented by Stephanie Casey and Andrew Ross, who will present “Preparing Preservice mathematics Teachers to Teach Statistics and Data Science: Technology, Equity, and Pedagogical Content Knowledge Considerations”).
“Reducing Barriers to Teaching Novice Learners How to Code” is the title of session #1039, a panel discussion with outstanding JEDI leaders who will share their experiences of the most effective ways to get students coding, often for the first time.
Ethical best practices is seen as an educational requirement in many areas, including medicine and law. Today, there is an increasing awareness of the central importance of ethics to an education in statistics and data science. Session #1157, “Data Science Ethics: Bridging Teaching and Practice,” presents practical core components supporting a solid grounding in ethics for statistics and data science.
Beyond the pure and applied science, science advocacy in support of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is central to the JEDI mission and vision. This includes study of public policy and how statistics and data science can be leveraged to help shape a more just and equitable future through diversity and inclusion. Since the 2023 US Supreme Court decision on the use of race in college admissions, there has been considerable interest in diversity and admissions. Following their decision, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department will work “to provide resources to colleges and universities on what admissions practices and programs remain lawful,” placing diversity in admissions in the realm of statistical practice. This year at JSM, panel session #1368 will provide support for these initiatives.
Advocating for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the sciences is also the focus of session #1526, which will showcase the work of recent graduates of the Math Alliance. The alliance has a goal of “increasing the number of doctoral degrees earned by groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the statistical and mathematical sciences.”
JSM’s opportunities for learning and networking are far greater than can be contained in this short column. Use JSM’s online program to find the sessions, resources, and special events of interest to you. Also take time to visit the JEDI table in the EXPO and use ideas from JSM to start planning your work for next year. Most of all, network! Making connections with authors, presenters, and other JEDIs will help make this JSM an amazing event that will empower your work for years to come.
David Corliss
With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss works as a data scientist in industry. He serves on the ASA Board as a Council of Chapters representative and is the founder of Peace-Work, a data for good nongovernmental organization.
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