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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Statistics

The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is committed to having our department be diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our department members (faculty, staff, and students) are expected to actively pursue this goal. Specifically, our department recognizes the importance of diversity concerning race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, and physical characteristics. We want an inclusive department where individuals, no matter what background they have, feel welcomed, respected, and supported.   

 

The Importance of DEI in Statistics

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential to accomplishing our departmental mission and vision as a team that values diverse skills, interests, and backgrounds. 

Having a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students makes our department stronger and more efficient. Research suggests diversity leads to increased productivity and innovation, and that diverse groups of decision-makers make better decisions.

Having a department with a solid commitment to DEI helps us attract and retain a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

Departmental policies and procedures to provide equity are required so that all members have the opportunity to succeed in their goals.

The benefits of diversity require a strong commitment to organizational inclusion. It is important that departmental members feel welcomed and respected in order for the Department to benefit from the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

 

Strategy for Improving DEI in the Department of Statistics

The Department of Statistics strongly supports the Iowa State University Principles of Community.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to our strategic priorities.

The Department has a standing DEI Committee that seeks to find and implement methods for improving DEI and other aspects of the departmental climate and to provide advice on opportunities to the departmental leadership. 

In addition to the activities of the Department’s DEI Committee, the faculty in the Department meet periodically to focus specifically on DEI issues and what can be done to develop, maintain, and improve a diverse, equitable, and inclusive departmental environment.

 

DEI Activities in the Department of Statistics

  • Summer undergraduate program: The Statistics Department and CSAFE jointly hosted a research experience for undergraduates in summer 2023. Under the supervision of graduate student and faculty mentors, undergraduate participants delved into a broad range of research topics, including survey sampling, genetics, and forensic sciences.
  • Go further: Our committee organized an activity for participated in the Go Further conference. Hosted by the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) organization at ISU, this conference aims to expose middle school and high school girls women to STEM fields. The conference takes place every fall, spring, and summer. 
  • Peer mentoring: The ISU Statistics Department has a peer-mentoring program in which every in-coming graduate student is paired with a current graduate more senior student. This is a great way for in-coming students to become acclimated to the ISU graduate program.