On June 28, 2024, the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) successfully hosted a Virtual National Labs Career Fair, providing valuable insights into career opportunities for statisticians within specialized federal laboratories. This event, held from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET, attracted students, recent graduates, and professionals eager to explore the vital role of statisticians in national labs.
The career fair featured a distinguished panel of speakers, all seasoned experts with extensive experience in statistical applications across various national labs. The speakers included Emily Casleton (Los Alamos National Laboratory), Karl Pazdernik (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory), Lyndsay Shand (Sandia National Laboratories), and Stefan Wild (Berkeley Lab), with the session moderated by Nancy McMillan (Battelle).
Throughout the event, speakers shared their professional journeys and provided in-depth discussions on key topics, such as job opportunities for statisticians and data scientists in national labs, essential skills for success in the field, and pathways to securing positions within these prestigious institutions. The panelists also addressed career growth, hiring trends, and essential advice for students aspiring to enter the industry.
The event provided a rare and insightful look into the multidisciplinary collaboration statisticians engage in within national labs. Emily Casleton highlighted her journey from a summer student to her current leadership role at Los Alamos National Laboratory, emphasizing the importance of networking and continued learning. Karl Pazdernik delved into the dynamic nature of data science applications in defense and national security, while Lyndsay Shand discussed statistical modeling in climate research. Stefan Wild, Director of Berkeley Lab’s Applied Mathematics and Computational Research Division, provided a perspective on optimization techniques and computational methodologies driving impactful discoveries in national labs.
Moderator Nancy McMillan facilitated a lively and engaging discussion, ensuring attendees gained comprehensive insights into how statisticians contribute to scientific advancements and national security. The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with the experts, seeking personalized advice and information on current hiring opportunities.
The NISS Virtual National Labs Career Fair successfully provided an informative and interactive platform for aspiring statisticians, offering a clear pathway to careers in national labs. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the critical role statisticians play in tackling complex challenges and advancing research in federal institutions.
For those who missed the event, NISS encourages staying connected for future career fairs and professional development opportunities. The institute remains committed to bridging the gap between statistical expertise and impactful career opportunities in government, industry, and academia.
NISS extends its sincere gratitude to our esteemed speakers and moderator for sharing their time, expertise, and insights. Their contributions made this event a valuable experience for all attendees, inspiring the next generation of statisticians to explore impactful careers in national labs.