A Lancaster University PhD student is set to become a Statistical Ambassador for the Royal Statistical Society (RSS).

Tessa Wilkie, who is studying for a PhD as part of Lancaster University’s Statistics and Operational Research with Industry (STOR-i) Centre for Doctoral Training, has been chosen as one of eight new Statistical Ambassadors by the RSS.

RSS ambassadors work to promote engagement with and understanding of statistics by non-expert audiences, through ambassadorial work with media of all formats as well as direct outreach work with the public.

Tessa read History at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating in 2007. She then spent over a decade as a financial journalist. Covering financial markets sparked an interest in the statistical models that underpin many financial instruments and investment strategies. This led her to undertake an MSc in Applied Statistics at Birkbeck College, London, before joining STOR-i at Lancaster, where she is pursuing a PhD specialising in changepoint detection.

“STOR-i appealed to me because of its focus on real-world problems and interdisciplinary working,” said Tessa. “The centre also places a strong emphasis on developing communication skills, which ties in with my previous roles in journalism and my passion for explaining statistics to a wider audience.”

This interest in communication about statistics, aligned to the wealth of experience gained in her career as a journalist, formed part of her decision to apply for the RSS Ambassador role.

She said: “My career path has been a bit different to the norm. This role appeals to me because it enables me to draw on lots of different aspects of my experience and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the scheme.”

Professor Jonathan Tawn, Co-Director of STOR-i, said: "Over the last three years, the STOR-i students and Tessa’s external project partners have benefitted greatly from her diverse and extensive previous experience and the training she has received in the centre. So, it is fantastic to see Tessa being rewarded with the prestigious appointment as an RSS Statistical Ambassador.

"This award will ensure that Tessa’s skills will help enhance the public understanding of critical statistical issues that are discussed in the media."

Applications for the scheme were open to RSS members at all career stages who were looking to further develop their public engagement skills.

The statistical ambassador scheme was first established in 2014 to produce a pipeline of experts who could inspire the public about statistics. This is the Society’s fourth cohort, with previous cohort members having appeared on BBC News, ITV, Radio 4 and contributed their expertise to numerous journalists.