The 4th Annual Blackwell Summers Scholars Program concluded on August 1st with a research symposium at the Illini Union. The forum marks another successful year of research and collaboration for the scholars in the program named in honor of the esteemed mathematician and Illinois alum Dr. David H. Blackwell.
The Blackwell Program is designed to provide undergraduate students with a robust research experience, encouraging them to delve into topics of interest with the guidance and mentorship of Illinois faculty members. Dr. Blackwell, a proponent of finding joy in learning and research, inspired the program's mission to ignite creativity and passion in its scholars. Over an intensive eight-week period, students work with their assigned mentors to develop research presentations to deliver at the program's culmination. In addition to working on projects, the participants attend micro-courses on statistical mathematics and data science while participating in weekly seminars that expand their academic and professional horizons.
This year, the program welcomed a diverse and remarkable group of scholars who presented various talks during the symposium. For instance, Sophia Bustos, a junior in Psychology, and Leah Decatus-Haddad, a junior in Statistics, explored the impact of different class formats on attendance in their project, 'Class Modality Choices in Statistics Courses.' This project, mentored by professor emeritus Stephen Portnoy and professor Kelly Findley, surveyed students in STAT 207 to determine the factors influencing a student's decision to attend class or watch lecture recordings. This project is just one example of the diverse and intriguing research topics our scholars delved into this year, showcasing the breadth of their intellectual curiosity and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in a wide range of fields.
Louisa Zhang, a junior in Computer Science, and Swetha Yegappan, a junior in Computer Science & Economics, under the guidance of professor Lelys Bravo, investigated 'Climate-related Illness in a Warming Climate: Impacts of an Aging Population.' Their project aimed to analyze the inter-annual variability of climate-related illnesses among different age groups, with a focus on those 65 and older. The goal was to identify predictors and response variables associated with heat-related illnesses and to develop a predictive model for future impacts in the United States. This research, with its potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of the health implications of climate change, inspires hope for a healthier future.
Nicholas Wong, a senior in Statistics, and Valentina Flores, a senior in Economics, tackled "Zillow Housing Cost Prediction," mentored by Professor Hyoeun Lee. Applying machine learning techniques to data available through the Zillow Home Value Index, the scholars analyzed housing costs throughout local communities in Central Illinois to evaluate factors such as region, number of bedrooms, and time of year to see how these aspects affect Zillow housing costs.
Gabriel Trustan Price, a junior in Statistics, focused on "Enhancing Dementia Diagnosis with ML," under the guidance of Professor Hyoeun Lee. This project investigated how machine learning algorithms can enhance the early detection and diagnosis of dementia by focusing on the influence of socioeconomic status, education level, and gender on its incidence to improve patient outcomes.
Friends and family gathered to support the scholars as they delivered their presentations to the symposium audience. Venetria K. Patton, the Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences was in attendance to support and meet with the scholars during the symposium. Alejandro Lleras, Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, offered the opening remarks as the symposium's special guest. Lleras' statements focused on the joy of finding your passions and not being afraid to take the time to find what is right for you, which coincides with Blackwell's philosophies on education and research.
The Department of Statistics revamped the program this year to emphasize mathematical statistics and data science concepts, providing scholars with a unique and enriching learning experience. Statistics PhD students Georgios Avdis and Zhexu Jin led micro-courses held each Monday and Wednesday, covering essential topics in these areas. Additionally, weekly seminars provided further enrichment, featuring discussions with diverse speakers. Professor Emeritus shared insights on research, Statistics Career Advisor Aaron Surratt discussed career opportunities, and Statistics MS Program Director Darren Glosemeyer provided guidance on graduate school preparation. Researchers from Sandia National Labs delivered technical talks, offering the scholars practical knowledge to assist with their research endeavors. These unique learning opportunities, at the heart of the Blackwell Summer Scholars Program, will surely excite and inspire future participants.
Looking ahead, the Blackwell Summer Scholars Program is set to return next summer, offering another cohort of students the opportunity to work alongside leading faculty in areas of statistics and mathematics-based research. Further details about the program's structure, application process, and key dates will be announced in due course, inviting interested participants to engage in this transformative educational experience.
As the program grows, it remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of researchers and scholars, embodying the spirit of Dr. David H. Blackwell's legacy. This academic initiative not only showcases the remarkable capabilities of our students but also reinforces the importance of research and scholarly curiosity in shaping the future. The Blackwell Summer Scholars Program is a testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge, and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of scholars next summer.
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Note: The department would like to offer a special thank you to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Access and Achievement Program for their continued support and generous contributions to this program. Their continued partnership and efforts to help recruit scholars is greatly appreciated.