Women in Statistics + Data Science

Register to attend the Women in Statistics + Data Science discussion panel scheduled to be held on Friday, October 4 starting at 4:30 PM in the Illini Union Ballroom. Guest speakers will share their stories and insights on their experiences as a woman in the statistics and data science fields. Audiences will have an opportunity to ask questions and network with guests during this exciting evening.

Register before September 27 to guarantee a seat at this event.

Event Statement:

The Women in Statistics + Data Science event, hosted by the Statistics Department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, is part of a larger effort to empower women in STEM fields by providing a platform for visibility and reflection. As the department's second event of its kind, it offers a unique opportunity to hear from women in statistics and data science who will share their journeys, challenges, and achievements in fields that demand greater gender representation.

By spotlighting these experiences, this event encourages reflection and action on the importance of inclusion and diversity in STEM fields. Attendees will gain insight into the realities women face in these fields to understand the importance of women in statistics and data science. This event reflects the department's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices and perspectives are celebrated and empowered.

Title

Women in Statistics + Data Science Registration

Schedule:

4:30 PM - Doors open to guests
4:45 PM - Welcome and introductions
5:00 PM - Panel discussion
6:30 PM - Dinner
8:00 PM - Conclusion

Guests Include (subject to change):

Anita Chan - Associate Professor, iSchool, University of Illinois

Anita Say Chan is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Sciences and Department of Media and Cinema Studies, and founder of the Community Data Clinic at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her research and teaching interests include globalization and digital cultures, innovation networks and the “periphery”, science and technology studies in Latin America, and feminist and decolonial approaches to technology. She received her PhD in 2008 from the MIT Doctoral Program in History; Anthropology; and Science, Technology, and Society. Her latest book Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future is forthcoming with U. of California Press.

Julie Deeke - Teaching Assistant Professor, Statistics, University of Illinois

Dr. Julie Deeke is a Teaching Assistant Professor with the Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois. Before joining the faculty at UIUC, she worked as a Lecturer with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Julie completed her graduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a PhD and MA in Statistics. She earned a BS in Statistics and a BA in Anthropology from Indiana University in Bloomington. Julie's scholarly interests include statistics and data science education, graduate student teaching development, instructional technology, and pedagogy for large courses.

Kinyetta Nance - Design Researcher and Technologist, Freelance (formerly: Twitter/X, Facebook)

Dr. Kinyetta Nance is a Design Researcher and Technologist with extensive experience at top tech companies like Meta, Twitter (X), and Adobe. Holding a PhD in Information Sciences, she has driven research for key initiatives such as Twitter Blue, Facebook Messenger Payments, and Facebook Marketplace. A passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Nance actively promotes inclusive innovation within the tech industry. Her expertise as a UX researcher focuses on creating human-centered, relatable experiences that align with societal values, driving technology toward a more inclusive and impactful future.

Lida Tetyusheva - Senior Specialist, Viatris

Lida Tetyusheva is a Senior Specialist at Viatris, where she harnesses advanced analytics tools like Alteryx and Tableau to drive departmental insights. A proud alumna of the University of Illinois, Lida holds a Bachelor's degree in Statistics and is excited to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s in data science. Beyond her professional life, she is a passionate dancer and advocate for financial independence. One day, she hopes to blend her love for analytics and her hobbies into a creative entrepreneurial venture

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Jennifer Anderson-Bliss	Kearris Gavin	Lyndsay Shand
Melissa Banks	Fatouma Hewitt	Aaron Thompson
Yuguo Chen	Asraa Ibrahim	Ruoqi Yu
Steven Culpepper	Christopher Kinson (Chair)	Susu Zhang

Additional Department of Statistics DEI Initiatives:

The Blackwell Summer Scholars Program is a paid 8-week summer research experience for underrepresented students in statistics, data science, and mathematics. Scholars work alongside leading faculty, engage in research, and prepare for future graduate programs. See go.illinois.edu/blackwell for more details and application periods.