Student Name: Juliette Gudknecht

Current Degree/Program: M.S./Applied Statistics

Undergrad University: Bloomsburg University

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

What inspired you to pursue a graduate/doctoral degree in your field?  

I developed a passion for statistics in my undergraduate degree that gave me the drive to pursue graduate studies in statistics. I quickly realized I could pair my love for statistics and special education in this TC’s Applied Statistics program. My drive for special education research comes from both personal and professional ties to developmental disabilities. I really like how the Applied Statistics program at TC can serve as a terminal degree for data scientists or a stepping stone degree for those interested in further studies.

What class did you enjoy most in your program? 

While I thoroughly enjoyed many of the statistics courses in HUDM, I enjoyed most the elective I took in the ID/Autism program that focused on measurement and evaluation in special education. There is a great opportunity in our program to branch out and take courses at other departments at TC and in the greater Columbia community. I think taking advantage of this is a very important thing to do throughout your time here at TC. Within the HUDM program itself, I also really enjoyed the latent structure analysis course and the linear models and experimental design course.

What's the most exciting project you're working on right now?

I am currently working on a project running Latent Class Analysis to find hidden groups within Autistic children’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal areas. It is fascinating as a technique statistically and as a topic in research. 

What advice do you give to other graduate students or potential graduate students?

My recommendation is to make the most of your time at TC and become engaged as much as you can in the larger Columbia community. Try research out to see whether you like it, and look into internships. Although I've learnt a lot in my courses, research and internships have taught me a lot as well. Participating in the numerous organizations and activities that Columbia offers is also quite beneficial!