The NISS Academic Affiliates Committee recently wrapped up a three-day virtual graduate school fair, “Undergraduate Student Guide to Grad School: PhD & MS Programs in Statistical Sciences,” held on Fridays, October 11, 18, and 25, 2024. Designed for undergraduates interested in advanced degrees in Statistics, Biostatistics, and Data Science, the event brought together students and representatives from top departments across the U.S., providing an in-depth look at academic programs and career paths.
The fair was organized into three sessions, with each day featuring presentations from different institutions. Day 1 (October 11) highlighted the Department of Biostatistics at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, the Department of Statistics at George Mason University, the Department of Statistics at the University of Kentucky, the Department of Statistics at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Department of Statistics and Data Science at Southern Methodist University.
Day 2 (October 18) featured presentations from the Department of Statistics at George Washington University, the Department of Statistics at Pennsylvania State University, the Department of Statistical Science at Duke University, the Department of Biostatistics at Emory University, and the Department of Statistics at North Carolina State University.
Concluding the fair on Day 3 (October 25), representatives from the Department of Statistics at Florida State University, the Departments of Statistics and Biostatistics at Ohio State University, the Department of Biostatistics at Georgetown University, and the Department of Statistics at the University of California Riverside shared insights into their programs.
Throughout each session, participants explored the range of opportunities within Statistics, Biostatistics, and Data Science, from career trajectories and research areas to real-world applications. University representatives provided overviews of their respective departments, discussing curriculum, faculty expertise, research facilities, and student support resources. Additionally, students received practical tips for navigating the admissions process, including guidance on personal statements and letters of recommendation.
The interactive Q&A sessions were especially popular, allowing students to engage directly with academic advisors and professionals, gaining firsthand insights into graduate school life and career possibilities. Attendees left feeling inspired and better equipped to take the next steps toward a future in data science, statistics, and biostatistics.
This successful event fostered meaningful connections and valuable insights, preparing aspiring data scientists for the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys. The NISS Academic Affiliates Committee looks forward to hosting more events to support students on their path to data-driven careers.