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Infinite Possibilities
Conference Promotes Diversity in
Statistical, Mathematical Sciences
More Than 220 Attend Second Conference
Dave Caldwell, North Carolina State University
T
he Infinite Possibilities Conference—designed to promote,
very high priority for our department. We were delighted to host
educate, encourage, and support minority women interested
the Infinite Possibilities Conference, which continues to open
in the mathematical and statistical sciences—was held
many doors and networking opportunities for young women of
November 2–3 on the North Carolina State University campus.
color in statistical and mathematical sciences.” He added, “It was
“The event attracted approximately 220 participants from 22
an emotional and energetic conference that the participants will
states,” said Kimberly Weems, teaching assistant professor of sta-
remember and benefit from for many, many years to come.”
tistics at North Carolina State. Weems was a conference cochair,
Among the highlights of the conference was the keynote address
along with Leona Harris, assistant professor of mathematics at the
by Freda Porter, one of the few American-Indian women who
College of New Jersey, and Tanya Moore of the Division of Public
hold a PhD in mathematics. Porter, president and CEO of Porter
Health, City of Berkeley, California.
Scientific Inc., spoke about her inspiring journey from childhood
While attendance included professionals and undergraduate, grad-
to professional success. A member of North Carolina’s Lumbee
uate, and high-school students, Weems said undergraduates made up
Indian Tribe, Porter earned a master’s degree in applied mathemat-
the largest number of participants. Roughly 10% of those attending
ics at North Carolina State University. She earned her PhD at Duke
were high-school students, a possible indication that attendance at
University while raising a family.
future conferences will continue to rise. “We were very pleased with
Jo-Ann Cohen, associate dean of North Carolina State’s College
the excitement the conference generated,” said Weems.
of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, stressed the importance of
Sastry Pantula, head of the Department of Statistics at North
enhancing diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering,
Carolina State, said, “Diversifying the pipeline for the future is a
and mathematics) disciplines by pointing out the small number
of PhDs awarded to African Americans, Hispanics, and Native
Americans during the past few years in this country.
Another highlight was a session on time management skills.
Freda Porter, a conference keynote speaker,
Sally Morton, and Sastry Pantula
Nagambal Shah, right, chair of the Committee on Minorities
8 AMSTAT NEWS JANUARY 2008
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