Meet Zhitong Chen, one of our Statistical Software Consultants

What is the primary focus of your role in RDDS?  

My primary role in RDDS was to serve as a statistical consultant, helping students and faculty with questions related to using R and STATA in their research projects, theses, or assignments. Sometimes, the consultations involved debugging code, while other times, they involved seeking advice about statistical research methods, understanding basic concepts, learning how to use R or STATA, or troubleshooting technical issues. Every week, my team and I took shifts to be available for scheduled consultations either over Zoom or in person.

Tell us about your academic background and interests.

I am currently a graduate student at Penn, studying Computer and Information Technology. In my undergrad, I conducted research in economics, working extensively with STATA and R. These research topics involved health and environmental economics and political economy. I have a strong interest in data analysis, statistics, and programming. Particularly, I enjoy using data to solve real-world problems across different fields.

What was your experience working in RDDS like? Tell us about what you learned and your highlights!  

Working in RDDS was a great experience! I learned a lot about the different ways people use R and STATA for research—from cleaning and visualizing data to running complex statistical models. It was really rewarding to help others troubleshoot their code, figure out the best approaches for their analysis, and build their confidence in using statistical software. One of the highlights for me was seeing students come back after a few weeks, excited to show the progress they'd made after our consultations.

As a graduating student, what is one piece of advice you have for graduate students at Penn?

Take advantage of the resources around you. Whether it is RDDS, library workshops, career services, or conversations with faculty and peers, Penn offers many opportunities to get support and build new skills. It is easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own, but reaching out can make a huge difference, both for your academic success and for your overall experience at Penn.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, reading, playing badminton, traveling, playing Guzheng, and sprinting. I believe it is important to maintain a good balance between school and other activities, and taking time to recharge always helps me return to my work with more energy and focus. This semester, I participated in several track meets with other students at Penn, and it was a really fun experience.

Feel free to reach out to Zhitong or other members of our RDDS Team!