The National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) proudly hosted the NISS Graduate Student Network (GSN) Research Conference 2024, an event that brought together graduate students from across the country to share their cutting-edge research and engage with leading statisticians in the field. This year’s conference, held virtually, provided an excellent platform for students to present their work, network with peers, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The NISS GSN Research Conference 2024 featured a diverse lineup of student presentations, highlighting innovative research in statistics, data science, and their applications. These presentations covered a broad range of topics, including:
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Bayesian inference and its applications in predictive modeling
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Machine learning techniques for big data analysis
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Statistical methods in public health and epidemiology
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Advances in causal inference and experimental design
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Computational statistics and algorithmic approaches in data science
Each presentation was followed by a Q&A session, allowing for deep discussions and valuable feedback from both peers and experienced statisticians. This interactive format helped students refine their research approaches and explore new directions for their work.
Keynote Address and Expert Panels
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by a distinguished leader in the field of statistical sciences. The keynote speech focused on the evolving role of statistics in an increasingly data-driven world, discussing challenges and opportunities for the next generation of statisticians.
Additionally, the conference hosted multiple expert panel discussions, featuring professionals from academia, industry, and government. These panels provided crucial guidance on topics such as:
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Career development for graduate students in statistics and data science
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The role of statistics in policy-making and societal impact
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Emerging trends and future directions in statistical research
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Industry-academia collaboration and job opportunities
Networking and Community Building
Beyond research presentations, the conference placed a strong emphasis on networking and professional development. The virtual networking sessions allowed students to connect with mentors, potential collaborators, and fellow researchers. These sessions facilitated meaningful discussions on academic and career paths, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in statistical sciences.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in structured breakout sessions focused on different career trajectories, including:
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Academia: Research, teaching, and the tenure track process
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Industry: Data science roles in technology, finance, and healthcare
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Government: Statistical work in federal agencies and policy organizations
Through these discussions, students gained a better understanding of the diverse career options available and received practical advice on securing internships and jobs.
Awards and Recognitions
To celebrate outstanding contributions, the conference recognized exceptional research presentations through a series of awards. Judges, comprising senior statisticians and industry professionals, evaluated presentations based on originality, clarity, and impact. Winners were announced during the closing session and received certificates of recognition along with networking opportunities with top professionals in the field.
Conference Organizers
The success of the NISS GSN Research Conference 2024 would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the organizing committee. The event was organized by:
Scientific Committee:
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Tiffany Tang (University of Michigan)
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Wei (Vivian) Li (University of California - Riverside)
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Xihao Li (UNC-Chapel Hill)
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Piaomu Liu (Bentley University)
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Tingfung Ma (University of South Carolina)
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Sam Y. Wang (Cornell University)
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Sahar Zangeneh (RTI International)
Organizing Committee:
NISS Graduate Student Network Committee Members - Executive Committee: Graduate Student Leadership
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Hannah Waddel (PhD Student, Biostatistics, Emory University)
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Manqi Cai (PhD Student, Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh)
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Jason B. Cho (PhD Student, Statistics and Data Science, Cornell University)
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Sean Mulherin (PhD Student, Statistics, UCLA)
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Georgia Smits (PhD Student, Statistics and Data Science, Cornell University)
GSN Steering Committee - Faculty Members:
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Piaomu Liu (Chair, GSN Committee, Bentley University)
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Sahar Zangeneh (RTI International & Clinical Instructor, Biostatistics at University of Washington)
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Y. Samuel Wang (Cornell University)
Their commitment to fostering a collaborative and enriching experience for graduate students played a crucial role in the seamless execution of the conference.
A Strong Future for Graduate Student Engagement
The NISS GSN Research Conference 2024 successfully upheld its mission of supporting and encouraging graduate students in statistical sciences. By providing a forum for students to showcase their work and interact with experts, the event played a crucial role in shaping the future of the field.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to present their research and connect with professionals. Several students noted that the experience helped them build confidence in presenting their work and provided valuable career insights.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of this year’s event, NISS plans to expand future editions of the GSN Research Conference with even more opportunities for engagement. Potential enhancements include:
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In-person networking meetups to supplement virtual sessions
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More workshops on professional skills such as scientific writing and public speaking
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Additional mentorship programs connecting students with industry leaders
NISS extends its gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for making this event a resounding success. We look forward to continuing to provide valuable opportunities for students and professionals in statistics and data science.
Stay tuned for future NISS events as we continue to support the next generation of statisticians!