Author Image

Hello! My name is Sam

Samantha Waterston

Economics and Statistics major with a Geography minor at the University of Florida

I am an aspiring economics researcher focused on understanding how place and community shape opportunity. Using tools like spatial analysis, network modeling, and statistical programming, I study urban issues like crime and inequality. Driven by empathy and a deep curiosity about how systems affect people’s lives, I aim to produce quality research that helps cities become safer and more equitable.

Skills

Experiences

Head Researcher
University of Florida's GeoNAVI Lab October 2024- Present

Research group focused on studying urban enviorments from a geographic perspective

  • Designed and executed a multiphase research strategy to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on crime networks by synthesizing findings from over 30 sources and collaborating with experts to inform the framework.
  • Programmed Exponential Random Graph Models and regression tests in R to quantify crime networks with over two million connections and deliver strategic risk-management recommendations.
  • Presented research at the 2025 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference and the 2025 ASPA x CURBS Research Symposium.

Data Analyst and GIS Specialist

Assisting with a research group focused on understanding hunting patterns in South American Indigenous tribes

  • Engineered data integrity by inputting over 4,000 survey responses in Qualtrics, generating actionable insights on Indigenous harvest trends across South America
  • Streamlined data management by reviewing, logging, and rectifying discrepancies in Excel and Qualtrics, leading to a 10% enhancement in overall data quality

Peer Consultant
University Writing Studio January 2024 - Present

At the Writing Studio, students work one-on-one with a consultant on issues specific to their writing to help them become more effective writers

  • Mentor over 100 undergraduate and graduate students per semester in revising essays, reports, and research papers, driving measurable improvements in academic performance and writing proficiency
  • Train and support two emerging tutors over a dedicated three-week program, equipping them with the skills needed for effective independent tutoring

Luminary- Student Ambassador
University of Florida Honors Program January 2024 - Present

The Luminaries are the official student ambassadors for the UF Honors Program and assist with info sessions and outreach

  • Collaborate within a team of four to organize the Honors Involvement Conference for over 500 participants, managing logistics such as venue booking, speaker arrangements, breakout sessions, and detailed scheduling
  • Bolster recruitment efforts by speaking in front of 67+ prospective students to enhance enrollment outcomes

Learned the basics of consulting and applied my skills to a pro-bono consulting project

  • Collaborated within a team of four to produce three comprehensive, data-driven consulting reports, directly informing client expansion strategies
  • Conducted complex quantitative analyses in R and Excel on FEMA, financial reports, company documents, and geographical datasets to build data-driven market-entry models and revenue projections for clients
  • Participated in an 8-week training program tailored toward learning the fundamentals of client communication, project organization, agile methodologies, market analysis, and Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel

Education

University of Florida
2023-Present
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Minor in Geography
GPA: 3.87 out of 4
Taken Courses:
  • Econometrics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Introduction to Probability
  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Sets and Logic
  • Urban and Business Geography
  • Data Analysis in R Studio
  • Fundamentals of GIS
Extracurricular Activities:
  • Head researcher at the University of Florida GeoNAVI lab
  • Undergraduate Consulting Club Analyst
  • Data Analyst for the Department of Geography
  • Peer Tutor in Writing
Lake Howell High School
2019-2023
Scholars with Distinction and AP Scholar Diploma
GPA: 4.67 out of 4
Extracurricular Activities:
  • Salutatorian
  • Captain of the Varsity cross-country team, starter on varisty soccer and varisty Lacrosse
  • Lead copyeditor of the WINGS Yearbook