Adway Wadekar is a graduating senior with majors in Mathematics and Statistical Science and a minor in Economics. He has served as a Trinity Ambassador for Statistical Science. Trinity Ambassadors are student volunteers, nominated by their departments, to serve in this unique and important role.
We asked a few of the ambassadors from the Class of 2025 to share their favorite memories from Duke. The below interview has been slightly edited for clarity.
What was one of the most impactful classes you took during your time at Duke and why?
STA 211 was the class that made me a statistics major. Taught by Professor Jerry Reiter (who is also my favorite Duke professor), the class was my very first introduction to what methodological development in statistics looks like: some theory and math, some computation and then an application to the real world. Although the class was on a very simple topic, regression, this “formula” for doing statistics stuck with me and made me want to pursue statistics.
What will you miss the most about Duke after graduation?
I’ll miss a lot about Duke, but I’ll most miss how brilliant and dedicated the students here are. Whether it’s graduate-level math classes or studying all of Duke basketball history in preparation for tenting, Duke students give their all to everything they choose to do. It makes for wonderful conversations and lasting friendships that can be formed through any pursuit on campus.
What will you do after graduation and how did Duke help prepare you for what’s next?
After graduation, I will begin pursuing a PhD in statistics. I think Duke was the perfect place to prepare for this path. The university is world-leading in many fields (statistics included), so if there’s a research area that you’re interested in, you’re likely to find an expert in the field at the university. But the university is also small enough that you can take part in this research under faculty guidance, where professors will teach you to think about things yourself while simultaneously helping you through many of the rough spots.