Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Kristina Diaz-Kerkado | Our Team | University of West Florida
Skip to main content
University of West Florida lettermark University of West Florida logo University of West Florida logo
No Image Available

Kristina Diaz-Kerkado

Biography

Kristina Diaz-Kerkado is a bilingual data professional with a strong background in mathematics, data science, and statistical analysis. She holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of West Florida (UWF) and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Data Science, expected in May 2025.

She works as a Senior Statistician and Economic Development Researcher at the Haas Center at UWF, where she provides statistical expertise, conducts economic and business research, and develops data-driven insights to support regional development initiatives. In addition, she serves as a Compliance Officer for the Office of Research Administration and Engagement at UWF, where she reviews packages for the Industry Resilience and Diversification Fund (IRDF) program, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Kristina is also in a leadership role at UWF’s Sea3D Lab, contributing to research and innovation in data applications. Her academic research includes a project on Shelter Animal Outcomes in the U.S., which she presented at the UWF Student Scholars Symposium. This project applied Negative Binomial Regression in R to model animal outcomes based on state characteristics. She continues her passion for animal welfare by frequently volunteering with the Shelter Animal Count research department, assisting in data analysis and reporting to improve shelter outcomes nationwide.

Beyond her professional and research work, Kristina is dedicated to mentorship and community engagement. She has held leadership positions as the President and Treasurer of the UWF Math Association and served as a Math Representative on the UWF Student Advisory Board. She also volunteers as a volleyball coach with i9Sports, fostering teamwork and skill development among young athletes.

Kristina is passionate about education, research, and community-driven initiatives, continuously working to drive innovation and data-informed decision-making.