STAT

Spring 2026 UConn ECE Statistics Workshop

On April 21st, 2026, our team of ECE Statistics Instructors met virtually to share insights on useful classroom methods and programmatic updates. Additionally, they were able to engage in a keynote address which focused on Using Large Language Models (LLMs) on Opera Audience Survey Data. The speaker was Alan F. Karr, a Professor of Statistics, Operations, and Data Science in the Fox School of Business at Temple University. More information about Professor Karr’s address can be found below:

In audience survey data collected by Opera Philadelphia, there are open-ended questions, which must be summarized. How can we do this using Large Language Models (LLMs)? Our research describes a trajectory for doing this. We begin in naivete regarding variability in the model responses to the same or similar prompts. This gives us significant insights into that variability. We also gained insights into systematic workflows within the LLM development, and this enabled us to deliver useful, defensible insights to the client.

ECE extends our thanks to our guest, as well as faculty coordinator Nalini Ravishanker, Ph.D., for their efforts to make this event successful!

UConn STAT courses offered through Early College Experience.

Spring 2025 UConn ECE Statistics Instructor Workshop

On Wednesday, May 14th, UConn Early College Experience (ECE) and the Department of Statistics hosted their annual professional development workshop for all certified UConn ECE STAT instructors. The day was filled with insightful discussions and academic exchange. The workshop began with  short welcome and preliminary announcements, setting a collegial tone for the day. Later Prof. Nalini Ravishanker led a dynamic discussion focused on teaching strategies and course materials, encouraging instructors to share their experiences and ideas for enhancing student learning.

Following a short break the group reconvened for a presentation by Professor Kun Chen from the Department of Statistics. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from a leading faculty member on current developments in the field.

UConn Statistics courses offered through UConn Early College Experience.

Spring 2024 UConn ECE Statistics Workshop

Spring 2024 UConn ECE Statistics Workshop

On Monday, May 20th UConn Early College Experience, and the UConn ECE Faculty Coordinator from Statistics, Prof. Nalini Ravishanker met with a group of 44 UConn ECE certified Statistics teachers for their annual professional development workshop. The day included a presentation by James O’Donnell, Prof. Marine Sciences Department, UConn, and Director of Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA): “Analyzing Coastal Flooding in CT and Climate Resilience”. Prof. O’Donnell spoke about the impacts of sea level rise, and more technically about the changing risk of flooding at the shoreline.

Later Elizabeth Schifano, Prof. and UG Program Director, Statistics spoke about data science programs at UConn. After a short break, the group reconvened to discuss a variety of topics including:

  • Homework assigning and grading at UConn (Amie O’Brien).
  • Mixture of traditional lecture & working problems in class vs. doing more hands-on investigations and labs, experiments where students use inference procedures (Amy Bigelow).
  • Switching from traditional textbook problems to one more involved free response problem set each week (Amy Bigelow).
  • Combined AP/ECE classes - finishing the entire curriculum by the beginning of May (before AP exam), what do the ECE students do in May-June? (Marcjanna Lungarini).

UConn Statistics courses offered through ECE.