The Georgia Southern Department of Mathematical Sciences welcomed Dr. Robert L. Santos, the 26th director of the U.S. Census Bureau, as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Stone Distinguished Lecture Series. The lecture was held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the Russel Union Ballroom on the GS Statesboro campus. Addressing a capacity audience, Dr. Santos presented his compelling message titled, "Empowering Your Quantitative Acumen by Bringing Your Whole Self to the Table."
With over 40 years in survey research and statistical management, Dr. Santos captivated attendees with his insights on the importance of integrating personal experiences and cultural backgrounds into statistical careers. He stressed that embracing individuality enhances the richness of quantitative analysis and urged students to leverage their diverse experiences to make a meaningful impact in their fields.
During his lecture, Dr. Santos shared anecdotes from the 2020 Census, reflecting on the creative strategies deployed to engage citizens amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounted how census workers used an ice cream truck with signage and a microphone to encourage participation while ensuring safety. Additionally, he highlighted innovative collaborations with artists to create murals that conveyed the census message in engaging, non-traditional ways.
Dr. Santos also elaborated on his leadership philosophy, which prioritizes recognizing and celebrating the unique skills of his team. He believes in empowering individuals to express their ideas and creativity, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. As he put it, “I aspire to be the 'inspirer in chief,' always cheering on my team to dream big.”
A key theme of his talk was the notion of "humanizing science." Dr. Santos emphasized the importance of visualizing data in relatable ways to connect with the community. While acknowledging that no Census is perfect, he underscored the potential for continuous improvement in data collection, aiming to enhance accurate population representation for informed national decision-making.
Dr. Santos left the audience with an empowering message: by bringing one's whole self to the table and integrating personal values and experiences, individuals can unlock greater potential in their professional lives. He encouraged attendees to embrace their full identities, which he believes leads to richer problem-solving and leadership.
In addition to his inspirational address, Dr. Santos announced over 600 job opportunities available at the U.S. Census Bureau, spanning various departments including Human Relations and Communications. He expressed the Bureau’s commitment to attracting talent from diverse backgrounds and encouraged students to explore these career options, particularly at the Atlanta office.
For those eager to engage further with Dr. Santos, he will host community sessions on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus, University Hall, Room 121, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This presents an excellent opportunity for students and community members to delve deeper into the concepts discussed during the lecture.
The 2024 Stone Distinguished Lecture Series has not only inspired students but has also reinforced the significance of diversity and inclusion in statistical research, promising a brighter and more innovative future in the field.
