This is the first time the Mathematics and Statistics Department has sent a student to this prestigious conference.
Bunny Ingram ’27 represented Elon University at the 2025 SAS Innovate Conference in Orlando, Florida, held May 6–9, 2025, the first time an Elon student has attended this premier analytics and technology event. A data analytics major with minors in interreligious studies, asian Studies, and art, Ingram is currently working on their Honors research project with Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Heather Barker that uses sentiment analysis to examine large religious texts. Their participation was funded by the Mathematics and Statistics Department, which hopes to assess the potential of sending a student cohort to the conference in future years.
The SAS Innovate Conference brings together professionals from around the globe to explore the cutting edge of analytics and artificial intelligence. Despite being one of the few students, Ingram made valuable connections, including with an Elon alum who now contributes to SAS certification resources.
Much of the conference focused on the transformative impact of AI, with sessions highlighting new features of SAS Studio—such as expanded integration with R, Python and SQL. Ingram shared that one key insight was how AI is rapidly becoming a required skill in the workplace. A resounding message was that “AI is not going to replace your job, but someone who can use AI will.” They were particularly inspired by the opportunities to dive into niche topics through informal “brain dates” and to see major tech players like SAS promoting inclusion through events such as a Queer identity networking night.
Ingram emphasized that attending with a group of students would enhance the experience and advises future student participants to plan using the conference app to map out sessions and manage time effectively. They also appreciated the perks, from free student registration to engaging evening events like a comedy show with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribeiro and a free Universal Studios visit at night.
Reflecting on their experience, Ingram believes SAS Innovate is an accessible and valuable opportunity for students interested in analytics.
“You can take as many SAS certification exams as you want, and they’re free for students,” they said. Their experience not only broadened their career perspective but also demonstrated how students can thrive and find community in professional spaces. The department is excited about the possibility of expanding future student participation.