Building a More Diverse Statistical Future: Recent Graduates from the Math Alliance

Liquid radioactive waste is processed at the United States Department of Energy's (DOE's) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina. An integral component of DOE's waste legacy waste management capability is SRS's H-Canyon, the only operating radiologically shielded chemical separations facility in the United States. One of the H-Canyon's supporting structures is the Air Exhaust Tunnel (H-CAEX). Because of radiation hazards in H-CAEX, the use of technology such as Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) is employed. In this work, we analyzed the LiDAR pulsed laser distance measurements of the recent inspection campaigns in comparison with the initial inspection in year 2019. Twelve sections with different heights and widths were considered within the tunnel. Certain segments of the inspected area appear to be eroding. The extent will be further investigated with future LiDAR deployments with semi-automated Python software that was developed. 

Similar to regression models, there is a relationship between the performance of an organization and its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. In particular, DEI efforts can improve many areas such as recruitment, innovation, and performance. Although not discussed as often as DEI, outreach should be added to our "regression model" because it takes DEI efforts a step further. Outreach provides opportunities and benefits underrepresented populations, even if they are not part of the organization. As a Latina pursuing STEM degrees, I experienced the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion and outreach (DEIO) efforts. In this talk, I highlight how DEIO was crucial in helping me achieve my academic goals. I also provide recommendations for entities seeking to improve by strengthening their commitment with DEIO initiatives. 

Join me as we explore the role of mentoring programs, focusing on my journey within the Math Alliance. I will share my transition from a student to a recruiter and now as a faculty mentor, emphasizing the important moments that shaped my path. With the support of the Math Alliance, I navigated summer programs and smoothly progressed through the graduate school application process, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Biostatistics. Along the way, I participated in initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, resulting in various recognitions and awards. I recruited students from diverse backgrounds, participated in national committees, supported conference organizations, and fostered successful research collaborations in infectious disease research. The Math Alliance has played a crucial role in my preparation for a faculty role, guiding me through the application and interview process. Now, as a faculty mentor, I aim to provide students with the same opportunities I had and more. These experiences highlight the significant impact mentoring programs can have on students' academic and professional journeys, particularly those focused on underrepresented or minority groups. 

Since Fall 2020, the Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Biostatistics at The Ohio State University has implemented a new student mentoring program. Though the program was initially established for Math Alliance scholars, we have made the program available to all incoming students. In this presentation, I will discuss the challenges and successes we experienced in establishing, implementing, and maintaining our program. I will also summarize feedback we have received from mentees and areas for improvement.