Improv and Podcasts and Blogs – Oh My! Communicating Statistics and Data Science Across Communities

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center 

Room: CC-107B 

Advances in technology allow us to process and extract valuable insights from a wide range of data types, including images, video, audio, and text. As data continue to shape our world, the need for collaboration and understanding across disciplines and sectors becomes even more critical. Successful collaborations emerge when we actively listen, connect, and build trust. This panel discusses the need to and approaches for communicating the value of quantitative scientists globally down to the individual, building meaningful relationships with policy makers, the media, non-scientists, students, or citizens. We will hear from a group comprising experts from diverse fields: Regina Nuzzo, science writer and podcast host of "Normal Curves"; Umut Ozbek, teacher and statistician working in both medical industry and academia, and active member of non-profits; Rosemary Pennington, professor of journalism and podcast host of "Stats+Stories"; Bob Sivinski, career government official with extensive work in federal statistical policy and specializing in developing and communicating new standards for official statistics; and Richard C. Zink, biostatistician and software developer, known for his work in applied improvisation for statisticians and data scientists. The panelists will share strategies for outreach, scientific communication, and community engagement-highlighting how statisticians and data scientists can foster trust, drive impact, and support statistical and data science literacy at all levels through collaborative action. This session explores the ASA's 2025 initiative, Communities in Action: Advancing Society, which focuses on equipping members with the skills and knowledge to engage their local communities and communicate the value of data-driven decisions.

Yes

Caucus for Women in Statistics and Data Science

Government Statistics Section

Survey Research Methods Section