In this episode of Practical Significance, hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein are joined by longtime JSM docents Jessica Kohlschmidt (The Ohio State University) and Justin Jacobs (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). If you’ve ever walked into JSM and felt like you needed a translator, a map, and a friend all at once, docents are exactly that. Kohlschmidt and Jacobs pull back the curtain on what it means to be a docent—from fielding questions and steering people toward the right sessions to demystifying conference culture and turning first-timers into JSM regulars.
They share how their own early JSM experiences shaped their decision to volunteer and how serving as a docent has allowed them to support others while building connections of their own. Along the way, they offer insights into making the most of JSM. Whether you’re new to the largest statistical conference in North America or looking for a meaningful way to get involved, this conversation highlights how docents help turn a huge conference into a more welcoming, connected experience.
And you won’t want to miss Ron’s traditional top 10. This month, he counts down the “Top Ten Signs You Should Have Had Your Article Proofread by AI.” Listen in!
If you’re interested in volunteering as a docent for JSM 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts, visit https://zzlalo.github.io/docent-program/ for more information and to sign up!
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