Distribution Divas take annual high school stats competition

Published June 27, 2025

Social media, energy drinks and AI detectors were just some of the statistical topics presented at this year’s UB Statistics Program Competition funded by UB’s Department of Biostatistics and the Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Core of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. 

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Fifteen teams from four local high schools took part in the annual contest, hosted by the School of Public Health and Health Professions. Students from Amherst High School, Grand Island High School, Lewiston-Porter High School and Nichols High School presented their statistical findings on the subject of their choice, using knowledge learned from their Advanced Placement Statistics classes.

Greg Wilding, PhD, professor in the Department of Biostatistics, highlighted the importance of the competition: “The CTSA BERD Core places a strong emphasis on pathway development. Sponsored events like the High School Statistics Competition underscore the importance of engaging students early in data-driven thinking. By encouraging young minds to apply statistical reasoning to real-world problems, we aim to foster the next generation of critical thinkers and evidence-based decision-makers. We hope this experience inspires participants to further explore statistical sciences and consider careers in the field.”