Training the Next Generation of Statisticians: From Head to Heart

ABSTRACT

A holistic view of training is advocated where educators focus not only on the competence but also on the character of future statisticians. The issues related to developing passion, formulating philosophy, and building moral personhood are discussed. The vision is to foster a generation of statisticians who are both well-equipped problem-solvers in specific scientific areas and compassionate reformers to the general society.

KEYWORDS:

• Character
• Ethics
• Holistic training

Acknowledgments

The author thanks the associate editor and two reviewers for their insightful comments, especially one reviewer who suggested discussing the connection between Nightingale and modern data scientists and elaborating on the conflict between statistical practice and the obligation to truth.

Funding

The impetus for this article started from a conversation with colleagues supported by the NIH-Fogarty International Center Grant R25TW008118.