Online Master in Statistics Program Invigorates Grad’s Dedication to Teaching

Mahmoud Harding first joined the NC State Wolfpack community to obtain a certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Management. As an experienced math instructor at North Carolina School of Sciences and Math (NCSSM), he sought to transition into the private sector after acquiring Statistical Analysis System (SAS) skills. He was well on his way to achieving his goal when two impactful things happened.

“The first life-changing thing I did was enroll in Justin Post’s class in R, a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to learn more,” Harding said. “At the same time, Taylor Gibson, a colleague of mine at NCSSM, approached me about starting a data science class at the school. After we worked on the course material and taught the course, I experienced the impact it made on the students first hand — I no longer wanted to leave education. I wanted to learn more.”

He went on to say that, “the second life-changing experience occurred when I was given an opportunity to teach a class by Ray Levy (Executive Director of The Data Science and AI Academy). Teaching this course affirmed my joy of teaching and working with data, math, statistics — and most importantly — students.”

So, Harding decided to pursue NC State’s online Master of Statistics program and will graduate from the program in December of 2024.

His love of learning led him to attend the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) conference in Los Angeles, CA where he met Zarek Drozda, Executive Director of Data Science 4 Everyone. According to their website, this company “is a coalition advancing data science education so that every K-12 student is equipped with the data literacy skills needed to succeed in our modern world. Equitable access to data science education is an opportunity to open doors to higher education, high-paying careers, and an engaged community.”

“When I met Zarek Drozda at the conference, we started talking about our convictions about the importance of data literacy and data science,” said Harding. “We were in alignment with our beliefs about equitable access to data science education as a means to higher education and successful careers for our students. So, I left NCSSM to work with him at Data Science 4 Everyone.” 

Harding Shares his Experience as an NC State Online Student

While finding a good school, work and life balance proved to be difficult, Harding is glad he persevered to complete his degree in a program that focused on subject matter that he was deeply passionate about.

“My career has taken a slight turn as I no longer teach full-time,” Harding explained. “This program definitely gave me a solid foundation for the data science skills that I use on a daily basis. I had no idea that I would end up where I am but I’m extremely happy to be in the position to spread the good word about data literacy and data science in K-12 education.”

Harding credits his professors, especially Emily Hector, for making the subject matter relevant and interesting — and always being there to provide support.

“I really enjoyed my courses because I like to learn new things,” said Harding. “I liked the freedom and flexibility I had to choose from a variety of courses. Another strength was the professors’ ability to create learning experiences that balanced theory with what was expected in industry.”

Are you interested in advancing your career with a degree from NC State Online? Visit the program page or online.ncsu.edu/programs for a full list of degree and certificate programs.