March 14 is Pi Day and the International Day of Mathematics (and Statistics), which has the theme “Play with Math” this year. Practical Significance co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein knew there was no better way to play with math and statistics than to talk with members of the ASA Statistics in Sports Section—chair Guanyu […]
Practical Significance
Practical Significance | Episode 38: New Year … New Initiatives
Fortunately, 2024 is a leap year and February has an extra day because David Matteson, professor and associate chair for the statistics and data science and social statistics department at Cornell University, has a full plate. He recently took on the role of director of the National Institute of Statistical Sciences and is leading the […]
Practical Significance | Episode 37: Let’s Get Real World with Brian Tarran
Practical Significance co-hosts Donna Lalonde and Ron Wasserstein kick off season four by welcoming the editor of Real World Data Science, Brian Tarran, to the show. A new initiative from the Royal Statistical Society in partnership with the ASA, Real World Data Science features content developed by data scientists. Tarran’s aim is for the site […]
Practical Significance | Episode 36: Outgoing ASA Board Members Take the Mic
As Practical Significance celebrates the end of its third year, we want to express how grateful we are for our devoted listeners. Thank you! We also mark a special podcast tradition this month by speaking with outgoing ASA board members. Co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein “go live” from the second floor of the ASA […]
Practical Significance | Episode 35: ASA Around the World
The ASA is stronger because of the perspectives and experiences international members bring to our community. This month, co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein talk with Ingrid Van Keilegom, international representative to the ASA Board, and Afia Owusu-Forfie, founder and executive director of Coders Who Travel, about initiatives and resources that support international members. Van […]
Practical Significance – Episode 34: Exploring ASA Sections and Interest Groups
Did you know the ASA has a section or special interest group for you? These are subject-area and/or industry-related groups that provide benefits specific to your interests. This month, Practical Significance co-hosts Donna and Ron chat with three section leaders: Wendy Martinez, chair of the newly formed Section on Text Analysis; Susan Paddock, chair of […]
Practical Significance | Episode 33: Meet the ASA’s Director of Finance and Administration, Derek Curtis II
Derek Curtis II set his sights on accounting when he was in just the 8th grade. Unlike many of us, he went to college knowing exactly what he wanted to do and, today, he is the ASA’s new director of finance and administration. This month, he joins Practical Significance co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein […]
Practical Significance | Episode 32: Getting the ‘Data’ on CSAB with Andrew (Andy) Phillips
On April 21, 2021, the American Statistical Association became a full member of CSAB, joining the world’s two largest professional and technical societies for computing—the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS). This month, Practical Significance co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein welcome to the show newly appointed CSAB Executive Director […]
Practical Significance | Episode 31—Talking Shop: Introducing the ASA Caucus of Industry Representatives
The ASA recently formed the Caucus of Industry Representatives to promote statistics and data science in the private and public sectors and provide resources to successfully advocate for the discipline. Ginger Holt, who is leading the effort as chair of the executive committee, and committee member Amarjot Kaur talk shop with Practical Significance co-hosts Donna […]
Practical Significance | Episode 30: Meet the Hosts of Stats+Stories
Practical Significance co-hosts Donna and Ron welcome John Bailer and Rosemary Pennington, co-hosts of Stats+Stories, a podcast about “the statistics behind the stories and the stories behind the statistics.” Their show features an eclectic mix of topics, from economics to the environment to media, methods, sports, and more. John and Rosemary come from opposite backgrounds: […]