PhD student at Lancaster University to become statistics ambassador

Tessa Wilkie, a PhD student at Lancaster University, has been chosen as one of eight Statistical Ambassadors by the Royal Statistical Society.

Tessa is part of part of Lancaster University’s Statistics and Operational Research with Industry Centre for Doctoral Training, known as STOR-i.

RSS ambassadors increase engagement and understanding of statistics among non-expert audiences by utilising media as a direct means of outreach to connect with the public.

Tessa completed her undergraduate degree in history at Trinity College, Cambridge in 2007, when she then went on to become a financial journalist for over a decade. Tessa’s job in finance sparked an interest in statistical models that underpin many financial instruments and investment strategies. She then did a MSc in applied statistics at Birkbeck College, London, and later ended up completing a PhD specialising in changepoint detection at Lancaster Uni’s STOR-i.

Tessa said: “STOR-i appealed to me because of its focus on real-world problems and interdisciplinary working.

“The centre also places a strong emphasis on developing communication skills, which ties in with my previous roles in journalism and my passion for explaining statistics to a wider audience.”

The interest to apply for the RSS Ambassador role came from her interest in communication about statistics as well as all of the skills and experience she gained while in her journalism job.

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Co-Director of STOR-i, Professor Jonathan Tawn, said: “Over the last three years, the STOR-i students and Tessa’s external project partners have benefitted greatly from her diverse and extensive previous experience and the training she has received in the centre. So, it is fantastic to see Tessa being rewarded with the prestigious appointment as an RSS Statistical Ambassador.”

The statistical ambassador scheme has been running since 2014 with being the Society’s fourth cohort. The applications for the scheme were open to all RSS members at different stages of their career looking to help increase engagement and inspire the public about statistics. Previous cohort members have made appearances on BBC News, ITV, Radio 4 as well as contributing their knowledge to journalists.