Nicole Dembny entered Iowa State University knowing that she enjoyed the process of discovering new information. She changed her major to statistics because, “as a statistician, your work involves uncovering information about the world that isn’t immediately obvious. I find it rewarding to dig into data and understand what’s happening.”
Dembny is junior in statistics with a minor in data science and certificate in healthcare management. She has plans to graduate in spring 2027.
Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods (STAT 3010) with Teaching Professor Laura Ziegler has been her favorite course so far. Dembny appreciated the course’s applicability to the real world, even seeing log odds functions during her internship after taking the course.
Dembny’s internship was with a hospital consulting company. She worked with diagnosis codes and billing information, which was analyzed to help hospitals identify ways to improve quality and patient safety.
After enjoying her internship, Dembny’s plans include pursuing healthcare consulting, where she appreciated transforming data. She shared that, “The healthcare industry generates an incredible amount of data, and with statistics you can take that information and turn it into something beneficial.”
Dembny is also an officer of the statistics and data science clubs. She manages both clubs’ digital presences and recruitment efforts.
She became involved in both clubs because she was willing to try something new, which is her biggest piece of advice for other students, “Say yes to opportunities.”
Dembny was also a member of the Iowa State University Cyclone Football 'Varsity' Marching Band for two years, which has been her favorite part of college so far. She plays the alto saxophone and loves being able to perform in Jack Trice Stadium with an audience, lights, and fireworks.
