A new undergraduate Statistics Club will begin meeting this fall at Iowa State University, offering students a space to explore careers, build technical skills, and connect with others interested in data. Weekly meetings are set for Tuesdays, beginning after ClubFest on September 10.
Gwen Hammond, a statistics major planning to graduate in 2027, created the club after realizing just how difficult it can be for undergraduates to build a network and explore career paths in the field.
“Throughout my college career, I’ve realized I’ve always been searching, constantly asking questions like: How do I start building a network? What do I enjoy doing? Am I even on the right track,” said Hammond. “I didn’t start Stats Club because I had everything figured out. I started it because I didn’t.”
With support from faculty and fellow students, Hammond began forming the club's foundation. The group’s mission is to offer both professional development and social connection for students in statistics and related fields. Students from all majors are welcome to join.
“I hope that I am able to achieve a space where students have the freedom and opportunity to network, explore career options, and build skills that are relevant to what they want to do,” she said.
Stats Club plans to host a variety of events throughout the year, including software workshops, guest speakers, hackathons, volunteer events, and possibly even a data center tour. The club also aims to be a fun and relaxed space for students to make friends and form study groups.
“All of these events are meant for students to freely explore their interests in any area of statistics and to develop skills and experiences they can put on their resume,” Hammond said.
The club’s first executive team includes Chase Cavalluzzi (Treasurer), Thenuki De Mel (Vice President), Megan Mason (Event Coordinator), and Naman Chandak (Secretary), with plans to add a Social Media Chair.
Hammond hopes the club will give students the chance to explore and find what fits. Whether you're planning a career in statistics or just want to learn more about data, Stats Club is designed to be flexible and welcoming to all.
“Statistics is found in nearly everything, sports, business, healthcare, social sciences, and as time goes on, more and more data will be produced,” Hammond said. “This club is an opportunity for you to explore your questions and meet people who are doing the same.”
