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U.S. Census Bureau Director Dr. Robert Santos Visit

February 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm RSVP to Attend the Breakfast Presentation and/or Topical Discussion Sessions with US Census Bureau Director Dr. Robert Santos Dr. Rob Santos On February 6th, the Director of the Census Bureau, Dr. Rob Santos, will be visiting TAMU as part of his multi-day tour of Texas to build relationships with institutions that will […]

February 6 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

RSVP to Attend the Breakfast Presentation and/or Topical Discussion Sessions with US Census Bureau Director Dr. Robert Santos

Profile picture of Dr. Santos
Dr. Rob Santos

On February 6th, the Director of the Census Bureau, Dr. Rob Santos, will be visiting TAMU as part of his multi-day tour of Texas to build relationships with institutions that will be mutually beneficial – strengthening data science and analytics opportunities at the institutions, and building relationships that will help connect students and community members to data, internships, and jobs at the Census Bureau.

You are invited to attend a special breakfast presentation geared toward Texas A&M faculty and Bryan-College Station community members from 9-10 a.m. in the Memorial Student Center’s Bethancourt Ballroom (Room 2406 A&B). This presentation will also be available online via Zoom.

Dr. Santos will also hold small group topical discussion meetings during the day targeted towards faculty and PhD/doctoral students, as well as two student-only lunches (Undergraduate and Graduate).

Seats are limited for the morning presentation and each of the sessions therefore, an RSVP is required, and you must RSVP by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 29, to reserve your seat to attend the presentation, topical discussion sessions, and/or the student lunches.

Agenda for Dr. Santos’ visit:

  • 9:00 – 10:00 AM:  Breakfast with Keynote Presentation by Dr. Santos
  • 10:10 – 11:10 AM: Community Conversations 
  • 11:20 – 12:10 PM: Housing Studies and Housing Data Discussion
  • 12:30 – 1:20 PM: Session Full: Undergraduate Lunch with Dr. Santos
  • 1:30 – 2:20 PM: Session Full: Graduate Student Late Lunch with Dr. Santos
  • 2:30 – 3:20 PM: Session Full: Census Bureau Technological Innovations/Privacy/Methodology Discussion
  • 3:30 – 4:00 PM:   Public Policy Discussion

Keynote Presentation

Talk Title: The real challenge facing researchers is… us!

Abstract: Academia is great about creating curriculum that prepares aspiring scientists, analysts, researchers for the technical challenges needed for a successful career.  Analytic tools can be complex, and they take time to learn well. But sometimes, the most important tool one needs is not that of a method, but of a process. Naturally. critical thinking is best used at all stages of the research process.  It is particularly helpful at the beginning, when the research questions are being developed. Yet all too often, statistical and data analytic expertise is brought in “when needed”.  Sometimes we are consulted at the beginning to be asked how large of a case count is needed. Sometimes at the end of a study to be directed to execute an analysis that may or may not address the study objectives.  And sometimes we are brought in the middle of study when something goes wrong, to help salvage some modicum of scientific rigor in the analysis.  This talk will leverage a few stories from my career to illustrate the scientific value of utilizing perhaps the most important tool anyone can bring to a research study: their brain – i.e., critical thinking combined with their ‘whole selves’ (values, cultures, life and work experiences, etc.) to offer unique perspectives and contributions to just about any scientific endeavor.


How to Register

Below are the RSVP Weblinks and QR codes for each type of session.

RSVP for In-Person Attendance _ Dr. Santos Presentation with Breakfast

RSVP for Undergraduate and Graduate Lunch Meetings with Dr. Santos

RSVP for Faculty and PhD/Doctoral Student Topical Sessions with Dr. Santos

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Shannon Degenhart in the TXRDC, who is coordinating the visit.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

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