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In the Summer of 2025, I was lucky enough to visit France and use what I had learned to speak with native francophones! This picture is from Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France.
Interdisciplinary Breadth - French Minor
Throughout my time at NC State, while pursuing my Statistics degree, I took French classes as well to satisfy the interdisciplinary breadth requirement of the honors program. Through this journey, I learned so much about the francophone world - whether it be about France, Algeria, Morocco, or any of the myriad French-speaking countries. On top of learning about the culture, I also built my understanding of the French language from the ground up. From the introductory classes all the way to 400 level translation classes, my journey through my French minor was one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever experienced. While I was also hard at work learning how to do Statistics, earning this French Minor opened up my mind and made me a more well-rounded student and person. Studying in two different disciplines was a great way for me to get more involved and make the most of my time at NC State.
Undergraduate Research
Throughout both semesters of my senior year, I worked under Dr. Erin Schliep and Kevin Collins assisting them with their research into the anthropogenic effects of climate change on various hydrological indices. Throughout my time working with them, I absorbed a lot of information concerning both quantitative skills and professional skills. I worked 5 hours a week as part of the Provost Experience Program (PEP), catching up to speed on Bayesian Statistics while also learning how to develop web applications using R Shiny. I used the data that Dr. Schliep and Kevin Collins had gathered as part of their research, and I turned it into an interactable interface, allowing users to explore what the research found. The final product is a fully functioning website that supplements their published research -- bringing their findings to life.
My time working with the two of them helped me grow personally and professionally in many ways. For one, I learned multiple new methods for analyzing messy, real-world data. This was my first foray into Bayesian Statistics, and how to apply it to ecological topics such as capture-recapture. It also was the first experience I had had using Shiny R. Through this tool, I learned how to use R in an entirely different way, and it unlocked R's full potential for me. Finally, it helped me be accountable and punctual. We had weekly morning meetings, where I would present my findings from the past week of work and receive feedback. This helped mimic a professional setting, wherein I can expect to have new work to complete and new deadlines to meet as I build my skills. This chance that I had to work with Dr. Schliep and Kevin Collins has made me feel much more prepared to work in the industry, while also offering me insight into what the world of statistical research has to offer.
Their published research, along with my corresponding app, can be found here:
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