About Me
My name is Erica Ann Metheney and I am a Researcher, Statistician, and Head of the Data Team at the Governance and Local Development Institute (GLD) at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. I hold a PhD in Statistics from Texas A&M University and a BS in Mathematics & Statistics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
I am currently Principal Investigator (PI) for the Emerging Cities Project and Co-PI for the Covid-19 Resiliency Project. I am also leading projects on the integration of generative AI into survey development best practices and on using complexity science to study discrimination. As a statistician, I also provide statistical consulting to GLD staff and our extended network and create tools and procedures for the design and implementation of fieldwork and analysis plans. As Head of the Data Team, I recruit, manage, and train data team staff and interns.
Current Projects
My current research activities cover a range of topics. You can visit a specific project page using the buttons below.
Education & Employment
Current Employment
University of Gothenburg
Governance and Local Development Institute
Role: Researcher, Statistician, Head of Data Team
Graduate, PhD in Statistics
Texas A&M University
Dissertation: Simulating Networks with Heavy-tailed Degree Distributions
Graduation Date: August 2019
Advisor: Dr. Daren B.H. Cline
Undergraduate, B.S. in Mathematical Sciences
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Specialization: Statistics
Minor: Business Administration
Teaching
I believe an effective quantitative methods course requires:
Alleviating students inherent fears of math and statistics by providing them high frequency, low stakes opportunities to practice the skills they are learning.
Use of precise language to solidify the small details essential in statistics.
Well motivated lectures to show students the value in the material being learned.
A common trust between the instructor and the students based on the students knowing their instructor cares about their learning and the instructor knowing the students are putting in effort to learn.
Personal Interests
Outside of work I enjoy:
Teaching my dog Willow new tricks
Hiking and visiting lakes
Trying new recipes, particularly from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Watching movies at the theater
Social Media
Here you can see content relating to
Network Science
Statistical Practices
Statistics Education
General Scientific Practices
Local Governance Research