HARUKA WHITCROFT​

Haruka Whitcroft is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in statistics. She is a member of the Honors College and a fellow in the UTSA IES Pathways program. As a Pathway Research Fellow, she passionately conducts educational research funded by the IES Department of Education.

Haruka has also taken on leadership roles in the Northwest Vista College SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society and the Parent-Student Organization. As a military spouse, young parent, and Japanese immigrant, she is committed to supporting others and is motivated by her passion for community-building.

Her involvement and achievements also reflect her strong commitment to academic excellence. Haruka has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 All-Texas Academic Team.

In this Pathways Program, her research focuses on “Curriculum of Practical Statistics for High School Students Pursuing a Pre-Science Major.”

By conducting this study, she aims to understand how learning statistics can expand career opportunities for high school students, as Statistics are deeply rooted in many aspects of our lives, including medicine and research. 

It is essential to train them to utilize statistical tools and methods to benefit their future in STEM fields. Her goal is to prepare skilled individuals for a technology-driven generation.

After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to apply to graduate school, where she will concentrate on gaining skills in clinical investigation and statistical studies. Her goal is to pursue a career as a researcher and biostatistician.