Sarah Bass took and enjoyed Advanced Placement (AP) statistics at her New York high school. She understood that what she learned so far was a small part of statistics, and she was eager to learn more.
From there, Bass researched statistics programs and was excited to find Iowa State University’s statistics program, which has a 75+ year history and ranked department. Bass is now a sophomore statistics major with minors in data science and applied artificial intelligence (AI). She plans to graduate in spring 2028.
Bass explains that statistics is applying math to real-world situations to identify what is really happening. This is applicable for her future, “I like it didn't limit me, especially because I don't know 100% where I want to focus in on. I like having the ability to like choose kind of anything I want. I thought was pretty fun.”
Since enrolling at Iowa State, Bass has especially enjoyed Statistics in Sports (STAT 2610X) with Assistant Teaching Professor Wesley Cox. She appreciated the introduction to how statistics are applied within sports and considered how they may be used by the Buffalo Bills, who were ten minutes away from her house where she grew up.
Another favorite class has been Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I (STAT 3410), where Bass was able to apply statistics concepts into research.
Bass also has worked as a research assistant with Distinguished Professor and President’s Chair Alicia Carriquiry, in which she applies statistical concepts, such as Principal Components and peak comparisons to identify the raman spectra of an unknown substance. She has also been writing a program that will eventually compare a raman spectra of an unknown substance and identify which chemical compound it is statistically closest too.
Bass observes about applying statistics concepts, “I am taking these topics that we learned in class, I'm applying it, and I am enjoying doing that.”
Beyond the statistics department, Bass is also involved in the University Honors Program, intramural volleyball, works part-time, and enjoys time with friends.