Josh Alms '26: Rediscovering Sports and Scholarship at Duke

Josh Alms is a senior from Long Island, New York, double majoring in Statistical Science and Computer Science with a minor in German. During his time at Duke, he worked in several applied research settings and wrote about sports for The Duke Chronicle. He enjoys traveling —especially his time studying abroad in the Duke in Berlin Program — as well as reading fantasy novels and hiking. After graduation, he will work in Washington, D.C., as a consultant. 

As commencement approaches, we asked Alms to reflect on his time at Duke, the challenges that shaped him, and the lessons he will carry forward after graduation. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. 

What is a challenge you faced as a Duke student that you’re proud of overcoming, and what did it teach you? 

Math 221: Linear Algebra and Applications was my first exposure to proof-based mathematics at Duke. Taking this class during my first semester was challenging and felt like a trial by fire. The course pushed me to develop structured reasoning and learn how to construct formal arguments. 

Those skills ended up shaping far more than that one class; the foundations I built in Linear Algebra became central to my later work in statistical learning and strengthened how I approach analytical problems more broadly. 

What advice or message would you give to your first-year self — or to an incoming first-year at Duke? 

Stay open to being shaped by the people around you. The diversity of thought, background and interests among Duke’s students and faculty is one of the most unique parts of the undergraduate experience. 

Many of my most meaningful moments of growth came from conversations, collaborations and friendships with people whose perspectives differed from my own. Learning from that range of experiences is one of the most valuable takeaways I’ll carry with me from my time in Durham. 

Is there a part of yourself that you discovered or reclaimed during your time at Duke? 

During high school, sports gradually faded from my life, even though they had been a big part of my childhood. Being at Duke changed that. The energy surrounding Duke athletics is deeply woven into campus culture, and it reignited my passion as a sports fan. 

Writing about sports for The Duke Chronicle and sharing in the excitement around Duke teams helped me reconnect with this interest. Supporting the same teams alongside classmates, friends and the broader campus community created a sense of connection that became one of the most memorable parts of my time at Duke.