How to Make Statistics Click with Schools Outreach and Interactive Data Visualization

A Conversation with Steve Mallett

Why You Should Listen

• Discover how PSI helps students see where maths can take them, including careers in pharmaceutical statistics.
• Learn how interactive visuals can connect a histogram to the experiences of individual patients.
• Find practical ways to design statistical training around the questions your audience actually has.
• Hear how you can support schools outreach, even if you have never led a classroom workshop.

Major Episode Highlights

• 02:00 — Steve shares why he joined the PSI Schools team and what the team hopes to achieve.
• 06:13 — We discuss translating outreach activities and bringing them to schools beyond the UK.
• 07:39 — Steve explains how new volunteers can work alongside experienced presenters.
• 09:35 — We walk through a school visit featuring R Shiny workshops, a clinical trial simulation, and career conversations.
• 12:56 — Steve shows how an interactive histogram can help students connect variability with patient outcomes.
• 17:15 — We discuss how to build training around your audience’s challenges and help concepts stick.
• 23:01 — Steve explains why medical colleagues want the confidence to discuss clinical trial results accurately.
• 25:22 — I bring together our key lessons on knowing your audience, using clear visuals, and encouraging exploration.

Links and Resources

• PSI Schools website: https://www.psiweb.org/careers/schools-zone

• Email address for people interested in volunteering: [email protected]

• Example of one of our Shiny workshop activities: mallettstats.shinyapps.io/Clinical-Trial-Workshop/

Steve Mallett's LinkedIn