Columnist David Corliss shares his thoughts about Data for Good student projects in the year of COVID-19, including term papers, science fair entries, conference presentations and posters, and volunteer work for community organizations.
public policy
Elizabeth A. Stuart
While studying for her undergraduate degree at Smith College, Elizabeth A. Stuart knew she wanted to “save the world through math,” but she had no idea what that meant. After college, she worked as a research assistant at Mathematica Policy Research, which is where she discovered statistics as a way to link her interests in public policy, the social sciences, and mathematics. She now works at the interface of statistical methods and public health, with expertise in methods for estimating causal effects. She is professor of mental health, biostatistics, and health policy and management and associate dean for education at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Madhumita (Bonnie) Ghosh-Dastidar
Her family called Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar a human calculator when she was growing up, and it was her father who encouraged her to study computer science because it was the “future!” Eventually, Ghosh-Dastidar realized she wanted to do applied work and collaborate more so she turned to statistics. Currently, she works in health policy statistics and her first-authored article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine is listed on the journal’s website as one of the most downloaded papers.
Statistics Student Awarded Truman Scholarship
ASA member Mikaela Meyer was awarded a Truman Scholarship to support her graduate studies in public policy and completed an internship at the US Government Accountability Office.
New Journal Calls for Papers, Strives to Meet Goal
The open-access online journal Statistics and Public Policy is calling for article submissions and assistance in spreading the word about this important platform.
Leadership Is Listening: Data-Driven Decision-Making at NIGMS
AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow Jake Basson writes about his data-driven decision-making work at the National Institute for General Medical Sciences—and what he’s found is encouraging.
FY17 Requests for NIH, NSF, Federal Statistical Agencies Largely Positive
President Barack Obama’s requested budget for Fiscal Year 2017 maintains his record of proposing generally healthy increases for the NIH, NSF, and many federal statistical agencies, but realizing increases of any amount will be challenging.
Statistics Students Learn Every Vote Counts
Students from American University participated in an exit poll project during the last two election cycles in the DC metro area. Read on to find out how you can become involved.
Statistics and Public Policy: A New ASA Journal
The ASA will soon launch a new journal—Statistics and Public Policy (SPP).
Bring Statistics to Policy Through Internships
Mary Gray, professor of mathematics and statistics at American University, describes various opportunities and benefits of internships, along with the legal aspects for ensuring a worthwhile experience.