From: Statistical Science Majors Union
Date: April 13
Subject: SSMU Snapshots: Week of April 13, 2026


We're almost to the end of the semester - read on for more SSMU events to power you through!

📣 Announcements

1. Call for Project Managers/Director Roles 🚀
Interested in being more involved in a future SSMU project? Refer to a previous email for more details and apply here by TODAY, April 13th at 11:59 PM!

🍵 Upcoming Events

1. GBM: Welcome Majors! 🎉
Calling all newly declared sophomores! SSMU is hosting a welcome event for newly declared majors and minors in Statistics! Open to all students. There will be catering from Nan Xiang!
🗓️ 7-9 PM on Sunday, April 19th
📍 Few GG Tower Commons - 6th Floor

2. DuQIS x SSMU Seminar - Henry Pfister 💡
Join DuQIS and SSMU for a seminar featuring Henry Pfister, Addy Family Professor of ECE and Math at Duke! Prof. Pfister's research spans classical and quantum information theory, error correction, communications, and machine learning. He will discuss some of his recent work. 
🗓️ 6-7 PM on Thursday, April 17th
📍 Teer 203

3. Study Break: Game Night + Baking 🍰
The SSMU Study Break is a relaxed, student-focused event to help you recharge during busy academic periods. Enjoy a cozy baking session, casual games, and a welcoming space to unwind, connect, or meet new people! Light study areas are also available for those who want to stay productive while enjoying the social atmosphere.
🗓️ 6-9 PM on Thursday, April 23rd
📍 Hollows A kitchen (TBD)

🌱 Competitions & Opportunities

1. ActuaryExamTutor and DW Simpson have partnered to offer computer classes specifically developed and designed for Actuaries & Data Scientists! Learn necessary computer skills to gain internships, job offers, and promotions in the Actuarial Science and Data Science workplace. Earn certificates of completion featuring the AET and DWS logos, which will be recognized in the industry. You can register for any of the following courses:

  • Advanced Excel for Actuaries & Data Scientists - starts mid-August
  • SQL for Actuaries & Data Scientists - starts April 26
  • VBA for Actuaries & Data Scientists - starts mid-August
  • Python for Actuaries & Data Scientists - starts June 7
  • R for Actuaries & Data Scientists - starts April 25

2. Register for the 2026 IMS/ASA Spring Research Conference, happening May 26-28 @ Clemson University! The speaker lineup represents 67 experts from 39 universities and 8 companies or national laboratories, spanning academia, industry, and government research. The $350 registration fee covers presentations, poster sessions, and all dining during the conference period. Visit the website or email springresearchconference@gmail.com to learn more!

3. The American Statistical Association invites you to join us at the eighth annual Symposium on Data Science and Statistics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 28 – May 1. SDSS provides a unique opportunity for data scientists, computer scientists, and statisticians to come together and exchange ideas. The student registration fee for the event is $265, including admission to the opening mixer; plenary, concurrent, and poster sessions; continental breakfast Wednesday through Friday; refreshment breaks; and access to exhibitors. You can find more information and registration details here!


4. Jane Street Recruiting is planning a few events this summer in NYC, the Bay Area, and Chicago, and would love to see SSMU members there! They are planning events in areas such as puzzles and games, networking, Women+, and diversity socials. Please fill out this form if you are staying and/or interning at any of these areas, as well as any friends and/or classmates who you think might be interested in staying in the loop.

📅 Stay Connected

Want to keep track of all our events? Add our Google Calendar here (SSMU Events Calendar) and follow us on Instagram @dukessmu!

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at our events!

Best,
SSMU

Got ideas for events or newsletter features? Reach out to hyunjin.lee2@duke.edu; we’d love to hear from you!