SSA NSW Branch Seminar: The Future of Statistics Education: A Computational Perspective

The New South Wales Branch of the Statistical Society of Australia invites you to a presentation titled "The Future of Statistics Education: A Computational Perspective" delivered by Dr. Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel (Duke University)

Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026

Times (AEST): 5:30pm - 7:00pm 

Venue: USyd F10A.01.117. Law Building Annex. Law Annex Seminar Room 117 

Format: In person

Abstract: The Future of Statistics Education: A Computational Perspective

Statistics education stands at a critical juncture as we navigate the intersection of traditional statistical theory, modern computational approaches, and emerging AI technologies. This talk examines how statisticians can reimagine curricula by embracing computation as a foundational element rather than an afterthought. While traditional statistics education has prioritized theoretical frameworks and applications, computation has emerged as the backbone of contemporary data analysis—from data acquisition and wrangling to visualization, modeling, and communication. Now, AI tools are further transforming this landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for statistics and data science educators. The presentation will outline a forward-looking curriculum model for introductory courses that balances statistical thinking, data science methods, and explicit computational instruction.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel (Duke University)

Dr. Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel is a Professor of the Practice and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Statistical Science as well as the Director of FirstYear Experience in Trinity College of Arts & Sciences at Duke University and a leading voice in modern statistics and data science education. Her work focuses on integrating reproducible computing, open-source tools, and real-world data into the statistics curriculum, transforming how students engage with data and statistical thinking. She is a core contributor to the OpenIntro project and an advocate for open educational resources and statistical computing in R. A Fellow of the American Statistical Association and an Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute, she has received numerous honors, including the ASA’s Waller Education Award and the Robert V. Hogg Award for Excellence in Teaching Introductory Statistics. She currently serves as Vice President of the International Association for Statistical Education (IASE) and as co-chair of the ASA's DataFest Steering Committee. Through her teaching, writing, and advocacy, Dr. ÇetinkayaRundel has advanced accessible, computation-rich, and reproducible data science education worldwide.

Any questions, please contact: secretary.nswbranch@statsoc.org.au