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Tingting Tong - Assistant Professor, Mathematics, Data Science

Ph.D., Mathematics, New Mexico State University

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Tingting Tong

How did you end up at Eastern?

“My path to Eastern has been shaped by my passion for statistics, teaching and working closely with students. Before joining Eastern, I was an assistant professor at the College of Charleston after completing my Ph.D. in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics. I was drawn to Eastern by its strong focus on undergraduate education, close faculty-student interaction and growing Data Science program. Moving to Connecticut also brought my family together, making Eastern a place where I hope to build a long-term academic home.”

What are you teaching?

“This semester, I am teaching DSC 205: Data Science and Society and MAT 216: Statistical Data Analysis. Although the two courses approach data from different perspectives, both are centered on helping students become thoughtful and confident users of data. In DSC 205, students explore how data are collected, interpreted and used in real-world and social contexts, including questions of bias, ethics and responsible data use. In MAT 216, students build a foundation in statistical reasoning and learn how to summarize data, evaluate evidence and draw appropriate conclusions. Across both courses, I want students to move beyond simply performing calculations and develop the ability to think critically about what data can, and cannot, tell us.”

What are your research interests?

“My research focuses on statistical methodology, sampling and inference, with particular interests in developing efficient methods for estimation, uncertainty quantification and data analysis. My work includes areas such as nonparametric and likelihood-based inference, quantile methods, resampling techniques and statistical computing. I am especially interested in methods that perform well when data are limited, imperfect or collected through complex sampling designs. I also value involving students in research and helping them see how statistical theory connects to real-world data problems.”

 

Building strong skills and remaining open to opportunities can lead to paths they may not have originally expected.


Tingting Tong teaching in class

What have been your first impressions of Eastern?

“My first impressions of Eastern have been very positive. I have found the campus community to be welcoming, supportive and strongly focused on students. I have especially appreciated the collegial atmosphere within the department and the opportunities to connect with faculty across the University.”

What is your teaching philosophy?

“My teaching philosophy is centered on helping students understand ideas rather than simply memorize procedures. I want students to see mathematics and statistics as useful ways of thinking about real problems. I try to create an active and supportive classroom where students work with real data, ask questions, explain their reasoning, and gradually build confidence in their own ability to solve problems.”

What career advice would you give your students?

“I would encourage students to stay curious, be willing to learn new skills, and not be afraid to change direction as their interests develop. Technical knowledge is important, but so are communication, critical thinking and the ability to explain your ideas clearly. I would also remind students that they do not need to have their entire career path figured out immediately. Building strong skills and remaining open to opportunities can lead to paths they may not have originally expected.”