STATCOM Presents

10-10-2006

On October 24, 2006, STATCOM presented "Pro Bono Statistics: What Can Statisticians Do in the Community?" at the October Luncheon of the Chicago Chapter of the American Statistical Association (ASA). After introducing the history of STATCOM, the concept of pro bono statistics was discussed via an example of a past STATCOM project. Pro bono statistics emphasizes both volunteerism and statistical expertise and STATCOM is actively spreading the word about this type of work. One goal of STATCOM's current outreach work is to establish a "STATCOM Network" among other schools and universities, and this effort is showing great influence nationwide with STATCOM programs forming at the University of Washington and Cornell University. The goal of this talk was to inform students as well as professional statisticians about this type of community engagement, which may be helped by some current volunteer efforts within the ASA. The talk was presented by Gayla R. Olbricht and Amy E. Watkins, and prepared also by Alexander E. Lipka and Nilupa S. Gunaratna. The message was well received by the members of the Chicago Chapter of the ASA and great interest was generated.