Gwen Hammond learned in a career preparation course that the most important thing in college is networking. With that advice in mind, she started asking professors about their career paths and learned about the variety of ways people have gotten from college graduation to where they are now.
Initially a data science major, Hammond realized she enjoyed the numbers and data parts of her then major most. Using that realization, she switched her major to statistics, with a data science minor. She is a junior and plans to graduate in May 2027.
Hammond realized, “You can do a lot with a statistics major. So that was pretty cool and eye-opening.”
Since becoming a statistics major, Hammond has enjoyed, “Every single statistics professor I've had. They've been super supportive.” She specifically noted the following faculty:
- Professor Ulrike Genschel taught Computer Processing of Scientific Data (STAT 4278). Hammond appreciated her support of students, especially her extra help in programming.
- Professor and Laurence E. Baker Endowed Chair Peng Liu taught Experimental Design and Data Analysis (STAT 4212). This course was helpful in learning the process from data collection to experiment type.
- Distinguished Professor and Department Chair Dan Nettleton helped Hammond to expand her understanding of statistics careers. With his explanation, she better understands what careers she is qualified for and how her skills are versatile and transferrable.
- Professor Karin Dorman mentored Hammond within the First-Years Honors Mentor Program, where they worked on a research study on if porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) could predict influenza A.
Hammond is involved beyond coursework, including Billiards Club, Line Dancing Club, Tennis Club, Conservation Club (secretary), and Stats Club.
Hammond serves as president of the Stats Club and also founded the club in late spring 2025. Initially, she wanted to work together with someone else to start the club, but no one else volunteered. One of her values is to help people; she believes starting the club will benefit current and future undergraduates.
Once she got the ball rolling on starting the club, lots of others stepped up and were willing to be involved, including executive team positions. Hammond wants all majors beyond statistics to be involved in the club. Future plans for the club include industry tours, social events, and collaborations with other clubs (such as actuarial science and data science).
In addition to coursework and student organizations, Hammond works as a peer mentor and tennis coach. She is also researching summer internship opportunities. Her favorite memory (so far) is attending the CyHawk game in fall 2025.