Nan Laird explored languages and computer science before discovering statistics and its power to connect theory with the real world. At Harvard, she helped reshape how scientists analyze complex, imperfect data and changed modern biostatistics in the process.
Rice University
Obituary: Paul Rathouz
Longtime ASA member Paul Rathouz—a distinguished biostatistician, educator, and leader—passed away on December 10, 2025.
‘Practical Significance’—Take Two: Forward Stats—Frontiers of Statistics in Science and Engineering: 2035 and Beyond
A recent “Practical Significance” episode explores a study that highlights how the discipline can drive scientific, technological, and societal progress through 2035 and beyond.
My ASA Story: Julia Schedler, Assistant Professor
Julia Schedler’s ASA story began when some of her peers went to the Joint Statistical Meetings and had a blast. Eventually, she went to see what it was all about.
Talithia Williams
Growing up in a small town in Georgia, Talithia Williams loved playing pretend, but in all her imagining, she never saw herself as a statistician. She knew those people existed, but no one who looked like her did those things, so it never occurred to her it was something to aspire to. Fortunately, her high-school AP Calculus teacher, Mr. Dorman, told her she should major in math in college. His affirmation planted a seed that changed her trajectory. She was accepted to Spelman College and awarded a NASA Women in Science and Engineering scholarship. There, she was exposed to African American women with PhDs in STEM and consequently went on to earn her PhD in statistics from Rice University. Today, she is an associate professor of mathematics and mathematics clinic program director at Harvey Mudd College.
Back to Where It Began
This year, we decided to go back to where it began and hold ASA Giving Day in conjunction with the fall board of directors meeting. By the end of Giving Day, 146 donors gave nearly $56,000.
November Is for Thankfulness
Katherine Ensor discusses what she is grateful for, including her colleagues at Rice University and her family.
JSM 2022 – Statistics: A Foundation for Innovation
ASA President Kathy Ensor asks for help with her JSM address and introduces the JSM President’s Invited Speaker, Reginald DesRoches.
Rice University to Host StatFest 2013
Rice University is hosting StatFest 2013, a one-day conference aimed at encouraging undergraduate students from historically under-represented groups to consider careers and graduate studies in the statistical sciences.