Applied Statistics I - Fall 2026
These slides do not replace the need to read the Syllabus in detail.
You can address me as “Robin”, “Dr. D”, or some other respectful title that you feel comfortable with.
I have a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) Biostatistics from UCLA, but I’m a Chico alum. I double majored in Statistics & Biology, with minor in Chemistry, and a first generation college student who started at Butte College.
My campus life consists of training the next generation of Scientists how to harness the power of Statistics and Data in a responsible and ethical manner, serving as a Research Manager for the Center for Healthy Communities, leading the Data Science Initiative, provide internship experiences for students and faculty, and organizing data analytical support for researchers on and off campus through the Wildcat Data Hub.
When I’m not on campus, typically I’m growing food for my family, out adventuring with my dogs, or getting some game time in. You can learn more about the projects I’m involved in on my website.
Statistics in the service of research
In this project-based course, you will have the opportunity to answer questions that you feel passionately about through independent research based on existing data. The course offers a lot of one-on-one support, directed opportunities to work with other students, and training in the skills required to complete a project of your own design. We will use collaborative tools and software that are common in many workplaces and research labs. These skills will prepare you for many different career types.
This course uses lecture videos from IMS2 and its older “sister” book Open Intro Statistics.
We won’t be able to cover all the things you need to learn from just lecture time, so engaging with the book and these videos is essential
Learning statistics and data science is not a spectator sport. When students ask questions, explain their thinking, or help one another, it improves understanding for everyone. Active participation is therefore an important part of this course.
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit.
It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture.
I would like to create a learning environment where you feel safe to be pushed outside your comfort zone. That’s where learning happens! To help accomplish this:
As an instructor I recognize there are a variety of AI programs available to assist in creating text and writing code. I expect that you also recognize that AI programs are not a replacement for human creativity, originality, and critical thinking. Writing (text and code) is a skill that you must nurture over time in order to develop your own individual voice, style, and view.
Important
Tip
You must read the Syllabus for my full official policy on using AI in this class.
The Syllabus contains additional information on
Important
There will be a quiz on this Friday.