My interest in research began in my undergraduate program in psychology. As I completed statistics and research methods courses, I began to understand the research I was reading, and I knew I wanted more. I found myself admiring those who could turn raw data into actionable information through data validation, preparation, and analysis.
Statistics and Probability have been referred to as the Science of Uncertainty. Wielding the mathematical and theoretical tools capable of helping others reduce uncertainty in an increasingly complex world greatly appealed to me. But I was just a novice.
I enrolled in a master's program in sociology to broaden my understanding of statistics and to learn from professionals who understood the science well. I began to see how I could use my newly acquired skills to help others make decisions. To learn how to apply these skills most directly, I enrolled in a Public Policy Analysis PhD program where learned how data could truly have an impact on policy makers with decisions that affect us all, whether it is at the local, state, or federal level. It became clear that politics was often chosen over good policy. I was invited to enroll in a new statistics and research methods PhD program in the College of Education and Health Sciences.
By the end of the first semester, I knew I had chosen the right path, so I immersed myself in every aspect of the discipline through texts, articles, discussions, presentations, webinars, and in-person instruction. I spent 5 years in the program, taking every course offered, basic and advanced. By the end of the program I was invited to work with seasoned statisticians who were directly impacting education policy at the National Office for Research, Measurement, and Evaluations Statistics (NORMES). The work I did there opened my eyes to the inroads and opportunities for my contributions to truly make a difference.
Since that time, I have worked as a Director for Assessment, a Research Consultant, and a Research Associate. Ultimately, I was invited to apply for a position in public health, an area I had honestly never considered. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself working indirectly helping decision-makers chart a path forward for our city and state as the pandemic began to overtake our institutions, businesses, workplaces, and every aspect of our personal lives. I was part of a team working on a set of solutions to a very serious problem, vaccine hesitancy. Through our work, we substantially reduced the number of unvaccinated in communities with the highest rates of COVID and found our work to truly be saving lives. The uncertainty that comes with a pandemic was reduced through science and research that I was fortunate enough to be a part of.
Today, I am looking forward, wanting to direct my skills, knowledge, and experience at solving problems affecting us now and, as our world changes, our population ages, and our reality once again shifts, reframing priorities that lead us to focus on what lies ahead, planning for a future for the next generation.
