February 2, 2010 - 2:17am
Professor Profile: Brenda Gunderson
By: Scott Suh
For Brenda Gunderson, teaching statistics at the University of Michigan appeared almost inevitable from the moment she set foot on campus as a graduate student in 1986 to pursue a Ph.D.
Now, more than two decades after completing her degree, Gunderson, a senior lecturer in Statistics, teaches the 1,500 students enrolled in Statistics 350 in the position she describes as her “dream job.”
Citing a deep passion for the field of statistics and a desire to teach, Gunderson said she began her teaching career immediately after graduate school in Ann Arbor. And though Gunderson has spent the majority of her career at the University coordinating Stats 350, she has remained relentless in refining the course, from its curriculum to its unique grading system — which provides students the option to drop their two semester exams entirely and have their final exam score determine the test component of their final grade.
“Something that I pride myself on is that we have a fairly organized class and the students can find the materials they need,” Gunderson said. “We try to provide the students with many opportunities to succeed.”
In addition to her senior lecturer post, Gunderson also advises undergraduate students who choose to take statistics courses. Though many students who enroll in her course are not necessarily statistics majors, Gunderson advises undergraduates to continue the subject by taking more courses and to pursue a minor if they so wish.
“I think that every student should take a statistics course at some point in order to be quantitatively literate and know what news that is out there is worth listening to,” Gunderson said.
Though Gunderson remains extremely passionate about her work in statistics and her future endeavors for her course, which include further integrating technology to enhance the learning experience, she insists that students have been the main reason she’s continued to enjoy teaching.
Gunderson said that accepting the Golden Apple award she received from her students in 1999 was her most meaningful achievement, adding that she is extremely grateful for everything that her teaching career has provided.
“The students make the difference,” Gunderson said. “I have good days and I have some days that don’t go as well, but I love working with the students and having the opportunity to interact with them is a great feeling.”
