Introduction

My name is J. Steven Raquel. I graduated from the University of California, Irvine with an M.S. in Statistics in 2023, and from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a B.S. in Statistical Science in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) How did you get into the statistics field?

I started out as a pre-economics major when I was a first-year at UC Santa Barbara. At some point I ended up switching into the pre-financial math and statistics track and enjoyed the math/statistics coursework so much that I eventually switched into the full statistics degree. A course on infectious diseases I took as a second-year Masters student inspired me to shift my career focus towards biostatistics and public health.

2) What does the J in your name stand for? What do you prefer to go by?

Legally, the J has no meaning! “J. Steven” is my legal first name. My paternal grandfather’s name was Juan, and his father’s name was Esteban, so my name is in honor of both of them. Most of my friends/acquaintances call me J, but my family calls me Steven. Feel free to refer to me as you please.

3) What are your other interests / what do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I am an avid gamer and I like to study languages such as Spanish and Portuguese. Among my other interests are culture, true crime, chess, and specialty coffee. I am also a proud uncle to my niece and nephew.