In celebration of World Statistics Day and the upcoming International STEM Day, Duke's Graduate School Dean Dr. Suzanne Barbour reflects on her non-linear journey through STEM and why she calls herself a "data hog." Her message to early-career professionals: embrace interdisciplinary thinking, develop strong communication skills, and don't be afraid to veer from the straight path.

From lab to leadership

Her journey from being a self-professed "statistics course dropout" to the Dean of Duke's Graduate School provides a powerful lesson in using data to tell a story. Barbour's ultimate regret – missing out on valuable quantitative skills – highlights that data fluency isn't just for statisticians; it's essential for all leaders and discoverers in STEM. Her career path itself is a testament to the power of using results to shape a narrative.

Data as discovery and direction

Barbour's defining moment in an undergraduate biochemistry lab at Rutgers was the thrill of scientific discovery and the feeling of being "the first person in the world to see a new result." In scientific research, those new results are data points. Whether studying phospholipase A2 enzymes in her research lab or leading a major academic institution, Dr. Barbour learned that the raw, collected information (the data) is the starting point.

The real power, however, lies in using quantitative skills to interpret, analyze, and present those data to construct a compelling, true story—whether that story is a novel scientific finding or the strategic direction of a graduate program. Her journey, from resisting the expected path to becoming a respected leader, ultimately exemplifies how mastering data is crucial to effectively telling your own, and the world's, story.

Data as a storytelling tool

For Dr. Barbour, who is a self-described "data hog," data literacy is the core of effective leadership and communication.

While once intimidated by statistics, Barbour now champions data's power. "I know how to spin data and use [it] to tell a story,” she said. “I wish that more people had those skills."

For Barbour, data literacy isn't just about running analyses, it’s about communication, decision-making, and ultimately, action. When data tells an incomplete story, the resulting actions will be incomplete or inappropriate. Strong data skills enable scientists and engineers to make better arguments, secure resources, and drive change.

Five steps for building a high-impact STEM career

To navigate a successful and impactful STEM career, Dr. Barbour emphasizes five actionable insights beyond technical training:

1. Get good at math and stats early. Think of math and statistics as fundamental tools. Even if you don't see a use for them right now, the skills you build will be vital later for solving complex problems and answering big questions.
2. Master your craft — and your message. Your technical skills are only half the battle. You must be able to clearly explain your complex work to people who aren't experts. Being a good communicator is what turns great research into real-world impact.
3. Be ready for detours. Your career path probably won't be a straight line. The best and most rewarding jobs often pop up from unexpected places or opportunities. Don't be afraid to take risks and explore roles that weren't in your original plan.
4. Turn data into a story. It's not enough to just have data; you need to know how to present it so people understand it and can use it to make decisions. Being able to tell a compelling story with your data is a key skill for leadership.
5. Look beyond your own field. The most exciting and toughest challenges are usually found where different subjects overlap. Try to learn about more than just your main area, connecting different fields of study will make you much better at tackling big problems.

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About Dr. Barbour