Shaping Policy Through Story & Data
I love talking about data governance and public policy — sharing ideas that empower people to responsibly tell their stories and inform evidence-based decisions that advance the well-being of our communities and our nation.
One of my core professional goals is to improve science communication and education, and I’m always energized by opportunities to connect with people around the world to talk about data! Since May 2025, I’ve delivered more than 180 oral presentations to diverse audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and the general public. My talks span a wide range of topics, from introductory overviews of data governance and privacy to deep dives into the methodologies behind my research. Even in technical settings, I prioritize clarity and accessibility by focusing on concepts, frameworks, and key results rather than mathematical formulas.
Speaking Freely — Or Privately
Some of my talks that explore how we tell our stories through data.
2025 Dionne Price Public Lecture
The video features me presenting the inaugural Dionne Price Public Lecture. Dr. Dionne Price made history as the first African American president of the American Statistical Association – ASA, the world’s largest professional body representing statisticians. Her remarkable legacy includes over 20 years of dedicated service at the US FDA, where she worked tirelessly for the public good.
In my talk, I’ll explored the crucial role of U.S. government data — data that are truly of the people, by the people, and for the people. These data are essential for ensuring our communities receive the care and resources they need to thrive. At the same time, we must carefully consider the data privacy, security, ethics, and governance throughout the data lifecycle. Only then can we responsibly tell our stories that inform evidence-based public policy decisions that promote the well-being of both our communities and our nation.
2023 ASA Statistical Computing & Graphics Sections
This presentation was part of the American Statistical Association’s Statistical Computing & Graphics Section Webinar Series.
At what point does the sacrifice of personal privacy outweigh the benefits of data-driven public policy?
In this talk, I explore the critical tension between protecting individual privacy and enabling access to data that can drive evidence-based decisions—especially in urgent public health contexts like COVID-19 vaccine distribution and economic recovery. While more detailed personal data can help policymakers respond effectively, it also poses serious risks, particularly for underrepresented communities. For example, too much location data may endanger individuals by enabling stalking, while too little may undermine the effectiveness of tools like contact tracing.
Using a famous piece of art as a visual metaphor, I walk through key concepts in data privacy and confidentiality, outline what’s at stake, and highlight the challenges that government agencies and private organizations must navigate when collecting and sharing data.
Speak Privately to Me
I’m always excited to connect with new audiences! If you’re looking for a speaker who can break down complex topics (like data governance, privacy, and evidence-based policymaking) in an engaging and accessible way, I’d love to hear from you.
📬 To inquire about speaking opportunities, please email me at claire dot mckay dot bowen at gmail dot com.
For in-person engagements, I kindly ask that travel costs be covered. Honorariums vary based on the nature of the event and audience. I’m happy to waive the honorarium for talks involving students, especially those in K–12 settings.
