Each year, the ASA GivesBack group invites ASA members to recognize the mentors who have shaped their journeys. As part of this annual “Thank a Mentor” project, participants are encouraged to submit tributes celebrating the individuals who offered guidance, inspiration, and support. These brief but meaningful reflections highlight what makes a great mentor and remind us of the lasting impact a thoughtful word, uplifting gesture, or timely nudge can have on someone’s career and confidence.
Haviland Wright
Submitted by Alison Turner
Haviland was a professor of mine while pursuing my master’s in statistics. I was a nontraditional student who hadn’t been in a math class for five years prior to starting my master’s, and I felt the struggle of being in the classroom immediately upon entering. Haviland was my champion from day one. He helped with questions I had during office hours, but more than that, he believed in my big-picture ideas, even when the details didn’t work out. During a final project, I had a great idea to set up an app. I created a shiny dashboard, thought about process and output. In the final hours, I wasn’t able to automate data capture, making the whole project unusable. Haviland called me during winter break to tell me how much he liked the idea and to give advice on future ventures. I graduated in 2020 and Haviland, and I remain friends to this day. He was my champion and adviser in starting my company; he is my sounding board when I want to talk about pure statistics or mathematics questions. In terms of statistical mentorship, his joy for the field, constant curiosity, and steadfastness is unmatched.
Yehenew Kifle
Submitted by Mouhamed Oloude
Dr. Yehenew Kifle is an assistant professor of statistics in the department of mathematics and statistics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Professor Kifle is my academic and PhD adviser. Since I met Dr. Kifle in 2022, he has strived to support my academic journey, especially during challenging moments where I have to conciliate family and academic responsibilities. For instance, Dr. Kifle has made himself available to support and help during PhD comprehensive exams, despite the fact that he is not required to do so. He has provided me with permanent assistance and advice in managing class registration. Further, Dr. Kifle has helped me in receiving and maintaining PhD funding that was necessary in pursuing my academic journey.
Dr. Kifle understands the needs of students and has the ability to assist his students in finding the balance between their personal life and their academic journey. This is a very unique and valuable skill that many advisers do not empower. Furthermore, Dr. Kifle is an advocate for inclusive excellence. His work and engagement to promote statistics in emerging countries in Africa are underlying. He has led the organization of the ASA-IMS–supported annual African International Conference in different African countries. Dr. Kifle represents a model for underrepresented students. He deserves intellectual and social merits and awards.
Jesse Canchola
Submitted by Russell Yang
Jesse Canchola has made an extraordinary impact on my career and the careers of everyone he has generously mentored. Jesse is patient, kind, and full of integrity. He showed me firsthand how a career can offer both business contribution and personal fulfillment by balancing his day job with leadership of the Committee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights and the Latin America Community Assistance Foundation. I can’t overstate how Jesse’s mentorship has shaped my aspirations and the opportunities that I was able to seize. On the CSFHR, he proactively seeks out the opinions of all members (particularly students and young professionals who might otherwise not speak up), selflessly extends his network to statisticians and scientists in need, and carries himself with an infectious passion that inspires us all to continue the work. He volunteers his wisdom (whether technical, professional, or personal) and time to open doors for his mentees and help them imagine possible career paths and leadership opportunities. He also goes out of his way to advocate for student contributions to CSFHR projects. In seeking out his counsel on projects, tough decisions, and trends in ethics/statistics/AI, I’ve learned that Jesse is someone who will always listen with compassion and insight. Everyone has something to learn from Jesse’s profound mentorship.
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