On Friday, March 6, 2026, the department held our annual prospective student visit day and International Dinner. We welcomed accepted domestic PhD students for a visit over two days brimming with exploration and camaraderie. The morning commenced with breakfast and an array of departmental speakers in SAS Hall, including welcoming remarks from Department Head Dr. Kimberly Sellers and Dr. Jonathan Stallrich, Director of Statistics PhD Program, who provided valuable insight into the department’s doctoral program and introduced visitors to the day’s activities.

As the day unfolded, attendees were able to connect with faculty, staff, and current students during a coffee break and graduate student panel, where current doctoral students shared their experiences and perspectives on graduate life in the department. Lunch with officers from the Statistics Graduate Student Association (SGSA) provided another opportunity for conversation and community-building before the afternoon’s research sessions began.

Attendees were then treated to a series of engaging research presentations by our faculty and students, including Drs. Jungeum Kim, Erin Schliep, Luo Xiao, Sujit Ghosh, Brian Reich, Jason Osborne, and Jonathan Williams. These sessions not only highlighted the department’s wide range of research expertise but also encouraged meaningful dialogue between faculty, current students, and prospective candidates. Later in the afternoon, visitors enjoyed guided tours of SAS Hall, and the NC State campus, including its recreational facilities and other stops such as Howling Cow ice cream, giving them a broader sense of campus life.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the annual International Dinner & Talent Showcase held on Friday evening in the second-floor lobby of SAS Hall. Against the backdrop of international cuisine and performances by talented graduate students, the evening reflected the department’s strong sense of community, cultural celebration, and artistic expression.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who played an instrumental role in making the visit day a resounding success. From the meticulous coordination of Graduate Services Coordinator Isabel Lopez, to the dedication of our faculty, staff, tour guides and volunteers, each individual’s contribution was impactful towards creating a great experience for our potential students.