Alexandra Hanlon, Shokoufeh Khalatbari, Joycelynne Palmer, Allison Furgal, Mary Sammel, Sandra Taylor, Jane Bugden, and Margaret Stedman
In the rapidly evolving world of data-driven research, quantitative scientists—biostatisticians, data scientists, informaticians, analysts, programmers, and epidemiologists—are doing vital work behind the scenes. But for many of us, especially those in staff roles, it is easy to feel isolated from the broader scientific community. The Quantitative Staff Network was launched to bridge that gap and build a stronger, more connected community of quantitative professionals.
Why QSN?
The QSN, sponsored by the University of Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research, was founded in early 2023 by a group of volunteers from the Association for Clinical and Translational Science Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Special Interest Group. These volunteers recognized that while faculty often have access to structured career development, mentorship, and professional networks, quantitative staff typically have fewer opportunities to grow, connect, and lead within the current academic and research infrastructure. Further, staff have unique development needs and interests that present opportunities for more tailored support.
What started as a few Zoom meetings quickly blossomed into something much more powerful: a national, multidisciplinary network committed to professional development, mentorship, and advocacy for quantitative staff at all career stages.
As of mid-2025, QSN boasts more than 325 members from 44 institutions and continues to grow monthly. Membership is free, making professional development opportunities accessible to all.
Leadership Team
Leadership Team Chair: Margaret Stedman, Stanford University
Co-Chair: Joycelynne Palmer, City of Hope
Administrative Chair: Allison Furgal, University of Michigan
Founding and Advisory
Board Members:
Sandra Taylor,
University of California-Davis
Shokoufeh Khalatbari
University of Michigan
Mary Sammel
Colorado University
Alexandra Hanlon
Virginia Tech
Mission and Vision
At its core, QSN is about creating spaces for learning, leadership, and belonging. Its mission is to foster a supportive, collaborative environment that values continuous learning, leadership development, and meaningful contributions. Members of the network do this by the following:
- Providing professional development opportunities tailored to quantitative staff
- Facilitating national networking and cross-institutional connections
- Creating sustainable platforms for mentorship and collaboration
- Advocating for the unique role of staff scientists in research
This is a community in which members don’t just attend webinars—they organize and lead them. It’s a space in which mentoring spans institutions and career stages and a new job opportunity might surface during a Q&A at a virtual seminar.
Structure, Leadership, and Sponsorship
QSN is volunteer run and community governed. Its leadership structure includes a chair, co-chair, administrative chair, and vice administrative chair, supported by an advisory board of senior leaders in the field.
QSN’s core planning committee consists of 9–12 volunteers and guides the network’s activities through five subcommittees: membership; mentoring; education and training; communications; and website. Each is led by a team working on initiatives such as podcasts, newsletters, technical workshops, and informal discussion forums.
Highlighted Accomplishments to Date
In just over two years, the network has accomplished the following:
- Hosted multiple all-member webinars with panels, breakouts, and skill-building sessions
- Launched a new website with a membership directory and curated professional resources
- Created a quarterly newsletter to share member updates, job opportunities, and upcoming events
- Conducted membership drives and outreach through the Association of Clinical and Translational Statisticians and the Translational Science conference
- Piloted special interest groups and planned a mentorship needs assessment
Education is central to QSN’s model. The education and training subcommittee balances technical sessions with sessions focused on leadership, communication, and collaborative skills—areas in which many staff scientists don’t get formal training. Similarly, the mentoring subcommittee organizes both structured and informal mentoring events, recognizing that many staff never receive or have access to dedicated mentorship after graduate school.
A Network with Heart
While QSN continues to strengthen its organizational infrastructure, it is fostering community. For some members, QSN might represent the first time they have felt fully recognized and supported in their professional roles. Whether someone is a mid-career analyst exploring leadership opportunities, a new staff member seeking a sense of belonging, or a faculty member hoping to better support their team—QSN offers a safe, meaningful space to connect, contribute, and grow.
This spirit of connection extends beyond virtual engagement. At the 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings in Nashville, QSN members gathered informally over coffee—many meeting in person for the first time after months of virtual collaboration. Moments like these underscore the value of building a network that is both professionally enriching and personally meaningful.
Some of the most well-received QSN events have been informal virtual meetups, during which members shared their motivations for entering the field and the experiences that keep them engaged. In one breakout session, participants were invited to share an “interesting fact” about themselves.
Looking Ahead
As QSN continues to grow, it’s leadership is exploring ways to collaborate with the American Statistical Association. They see opportunity to tap into the ASA’s platforms, resources, and national reach—while still preserving the accessibility and close-knit feel that have made QSN so successful.
Any future partnership with the ASA will be built around shared strengths and values, ensuring QSN continues to thrive as an open and inclusive community. Its focus will continue to remain on supporting staff roles across academic, government, and industry settings while expanding its reach to welcome more members, especially those beyond traditional biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design structures and those from underrepresented institutions and sectors.
Get Involved
Joining QSN is free. Visit the QSN website to learn more and complete the membership form. New members will gain access to events, newsletters, and a nationwide network of peers who understand the unique rewards and challenges of being a quantitative staff professional. QSN also welcomes volunteers to lead and participate in its subcommittees.
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