AMSTATNEWS the Membership Magazine of the American Statistical Association •

Home , Biostatistics (journal), Charles Nam, Don Berry (statistician), Jianqing Fan

February 2012 • Issue #416 AMSTATNEWS The Membership Magazine of the American Statistical Association • http://magazine.amstat.org

Uses Real Data to Teach Statistical Problemsolving

ALSO: Annual Fund Drive Reaches Still Higher Statisticians and Clinicians: Collaborations Based on Mutual Respect

AmstatNews features February 2012 • Issue #416 3 President’s Corner Executive Director Ron Wasserstein: [email protected] 5 Preparing Biostatisticians for Leadership Opportunities

Associate Executive Director and Director of Operations 7 Scientific Course Strengthens Students’ Communication Skills Stephen Porzio: [email protected] 8 International Year of Statistics Strives to Increase Visibility of Director of Science Policy Profession [email protected] Steve Pierson: 9 Director of Programs Director of Education Rebecca Nichols [email protected] 9 Consider Donating Textbooks to Statisticians in Cuba

Managing Editor 10 Annual Fund Drive Reaches Still Higher Megan Murphy: [email protected] 16 Highlights from the COPAFS December 2011 Meeting Production Coordinators/Graphic Designers 18 Meet EPA’s Chief Statistician Barry D. Nussbaum Melissa Muko: [email protected] Kathryn Wright: [email protected] 20 Census at School Uses Real Data to Teach Statistical Publications Coordinator Problemsolving Val Nirala: [email protected] 23 JASA Highlights Advertising Manager December JASA Features 2011 ASA Presidential Address Claudine Donovan: [email protected] 24 Biopharmaceutical Symposium to Offer Tutorials, Short Courses Contributing Staff Members Steve Pierson • Rebecca Nichols • Eric Sampson 25 Technometrics Highlights Techno-Tweets: A Rapid Glance at the February 2012 Issue Amstat News welcomes news items and letters from readers on matters of Technometrics of interest to the association and the profession. Address correspondence to Managing Editor, Amstat News, American Statistical Association, 732 North 26 Industrial Math/Stat Modeling Workshop to Take Place at NCSU Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314-1943 USA, or email amstat@ amstat.org. Items must be received by the first day of the preceding month to ensure appearance in the next issue (for example, June 1 for the July issue). Material can be sent as a Microsoft Word document, PDF, or within an email. Articles will be edited for space. Accompanying artwork will be accepted columns in graphics file formats only (.jpg, etc.), minimum 300 dpi. No material in WordPerfect will be accepted. Amstat News (ISSN 0163-9617) is published monthly by the American 27 Science Policy Statistical Association, 732 North Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314- Statisticians and Clinicians: Collaborations Based on 1943 USA. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and additional Mutual Respect mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Amstat News, 732 North Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314-1943 USA. Send Canadian This column is written to inform ASA members about what the ASA is doing to address changes to APC, PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Rich Hill, promote the inclusion of statistics in policymaking and the funding of statistics ON L4B 4R6. Annual subscriptions are $50 per year for nonmembers. Amstat News is the member publication of the ASA. For annual membership rates, research. To suggest science policy topics for the ASA to address, contact ASA see www.amstat.org/join or contact ASA Member Services at (888) 231-3473. Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson at [email protected].

American Statistical Association Contributing Editor 732 North Washington Street Donald A. Berry is professor of biostatistics at The University of Alexandria, VA 22314–1943 USA Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where, until 2011, he served (703) 684–1221 • FAX: (703) 684-2037 as head of the division of quantitative sciences and chair of the department of biostatistics. ASA GENERAL: [email protected] ADDRESS CHANGES: [email protected]

AMSTAT EDITORIAL: [email protected] Berry ADVERTISING: [email protected] WebSite: http://magazine.amstat.org Printed in USA © 2012 29 MASTER'S NOTEBOOK American Statistical Association Master’s in Statistics Proves Valuable in Workplace This column is written for statisticians with master's degrees and highlights areas of employment that will benefit statisticians at the master's level. Comments and suggestions should be sent to Megan Murphy, Amstat News managing editor, at megan@ Promoting the Practice and Profession of Statistics amstat.org. The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of statisticians. The ASA supports excellence in Contributing Editor the development, application, and dissemination of statistical Lauren Bailey is a first-year biostatistics PhD student at the science through meetings, publications, membership services, University of Illinois at Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education, accreditation, and advocacy. Our members serve in mathematics from the University of California at San Diego and a industry, government, and academia in more than 90 countries, master’s degree in statistics from San Diego State University. advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare. Bailey columns 31 175 The Secret of Survival Is the Promise for the Future: The ASA at 175 The ASA will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2014. In preparation, column “175”— Online Articles written by members of the ASA’s 175th Anniversary Steering Committee and other ASA members—will chronicle the theme chosen for the celebration, status of preparations, The following articles in this issue can be found online activities to take place, and, best yet, how you can get involved in propelling the ASA at http://magazine.amstat.org. toward its bicentennial.

Contributing Editor In the November issue of Math Horizon’s Stephen M. Stigler taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Aftermath column, the essay “Statistics à la Mode,” before moving to The University of Chicago. He was editor of JASA: written by Meg Dillon, discussed the difficulty she Theory and Methods from 1978–1981 and has published several books, including The History of Statistics and Statistics on the Table. experienced as a mathematics professor teaching an introductory statistics course. In response to her essay, several members of the Special Interest Group of the Stigler Mathematical Association of America on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education explain 32 STATtr@k how teaching statistics is different than teaching The Excitement of a Career in Statistics mathematics. View the response at http://magazine. STATtr@k is a column in Amstat News and a website geared toward people who are in a amstat.org/blog/2012/02/01/maa-response. statistics program, recently graduated from a statistics program, or recently entered the job world. To read more articles like this one, visit the website at http://stattrak.amstat.org. If you have suggestions for future articles, or would like to submit an article, please email Sastry Pantula, 2010 president of the ASA, looks Megan Murphy, Amstat News managing editor, at [email protected]. back on his years of service to the association and enthusiastically views the years ahead in his article, Contributing Editors "A Seven-Year Itch … or a Seventh-Inning Stretch?" Gerald (Gerry) Hahn is a retired manager of statistics at the (current) which can be read at http://magazine.amstat.org/ GE Global Research Center, where he worked for 46 years. He is a blog/2012/02/01/seven-year-itch. co-author of four books and many articles, recipient of numerous awards, and Fellow of the ASA and American Society for Quality. He holds a doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Visit the ASA Calendar of Events, an online database of statistical happenings across the globe. Hahn Announcements are accepted from educational and not-for-profit organizations. To view the complete list Necip Doganaksoy is a principal technologist at the GE Global of statistics meetings and workshops, visit www.amstat. Research Center and an adjunct professor at the Union Graduate College School of Management in Schenectady, New York. He is org/dateline. a co-author of two books and a Fellow of the ASA and American Society for Quality. He holds a doctorate from Union College. Many of the sections and committees sponsor events and host workshops and meetings. For details Doganaksoy about these events and other news, make sure you visit our section, chapter, and committee pages online at http://magazine.amstat.org. member news 34 People News 35 Awards and Deadlines Follow us on Twitter @AmstatNews 36 Section • Chapter • Committee News

Join the ASA Community 38 Calendar of Events http://community.amstat.org/Home 43 Professional Opportunities

Like us on Facebook

2 amstat news february 2012 president's corner

Statistical Leadership: Preparing Our Future Leaders

Photo by Michela Osborn Leadership in Biostatistics students at The University of North Carolina. From left: Margaret Polinkovsky, Alison Wise, Jennifer Clark, Beth Jablonski Horton, Annie Green Howard, and Michael Hussey.

hen you think of statistical leaders, what writing an editorial letter advocating for data-based examples come to mind? Do you think policy decisions is a statistical leader, as is a manager of a preeminent researcher, a depart- working with human resources staff to define the Wment head, or an elected officer in our association? job responsibilities of statisticians in a company or All these are important, but an even greater variety government agency. of leaders is essential to the vitality and visibility of Along with influencing others, leadership is our profession. In this month’s column, I discuss about helping others succeed. A university professor why we need more statistical leaders and ways we coaching a student on how to give an effective pre- can develop future leaders. sentation is a statistical leader, as is an experienced industrial statistician guiding a younger colleague Why Is Statistical Leadership Critical? through multiple revisions of a paper. Robert Rodriguez Leadership ability is a prerequisite for the growth of our field because statistics is an interdisciplinary How Can We Prepare More Leaders? endeavor and our success ultimately depends on We face a shortage of statistical leaders both with- getting others to understand and act on our work. in our profession and within the organizations in We need many kinds of leaders, not only in posi- which we work. One reason is that statisticians are tions of prominence, but in any area of our profes- not trained for leadership—which is why most of sion in which there is opportunity to influence the us who do serve in leadership roles landed there acceptance of statistical contributions. A statistician unexpectedly! A second reason is that many of our

february 2012 amstat news 3 students and younger statisticians are non-native but also for statisticians and biostatisticians who work English speakers who have had limited opportuni- in interdisciplinary environments. At the University ties for early leadership experience. of Pittsburgh, the department of biostatistics has The good news is that leadership can be learned. introduced a course that helps students develop oral, While all of us know individuals who are “born visual, and written scientific communication skills. leaders,” the ability to lead can be developed. Faculty members Jeanine Buchanich and Ada Youk Even better news is that some forward-thinking taught the course in the fall of 2011. university departments are beginning to offer Explaining the motivation for the course, Jeanine training in the skills necessary for statistical said, “It started out as informal discussions among leadership. The next two sections highlight two faculty members that our students, while very adept innovative courses I learned about last year, and statistically, could often not convey the significance articles in this issue provide additional informa- of their work, especially to nonstatisticians. We felt tion. If you know about other courses, I would that the students needed more practice, both in appreciate hearing about them. writing and presenting their results.” Jeanine added that “the most rewarding aspect of Teaching Leadership in Biostatistics the course has been seeing the students’ confidence When the department of biostatistics at The in their presentation skills grow.” This was echoed University of North Carolina recognized that many by one of the students (Lei Ye), who wrote, “After of its alumni are serving in leadership roles, it taking this class, I feel more confident presenting in decided to develop a course that prepares students front of people.” for leadership in both academic and nonacademic Another student (Umut Ozbek) described the public health settings (see Page 5). The course was class as a “must” course, saying, “I benefited a lot first taught by faculty members Lisa LaVange and from the course—learning the skills, seeing good William (Bill) Sollecito during the fall of 2011. and bad examples, and practicing in front of the Their syllabus covers leadership concepts audiences.” And a third student (Zhen Zeng) con- and management skills, and it features modules cluded, “People say practice makes perfect; however, taught by guest lecturers who have experience in this course makes me be able to practice perfectly.” various settings. Lisa and Bill invited me to teach a session on Leadership Development After professional service leadership. To make this session Graduation interactive, I asked the class to work through a series Statistical leadership requires a collection of skills, of exercises on the topic of strategic planning, almost all of which can be acquired and improved using the ASA’s Strategic Plan as a case study. I upon over time. Our association should provide was impressed by the students’ interest, and I dis- more opportunities to learn these skills, which is covered they chose to take the course even though why I formed an initiative to propose ways we can they were all busy with the final stages of their offer career-building courses (see my January col- doctoral research. umn). We have made a successful start with occa- At the end of the semester, Bill and Lisa report- sional workshops at JSM, including the one on ed that the most gratifying aspect of teaching the presentation skills given in 2011 by Scott Berry, course was “how engaged and enthusiastic the stu- Richard De Veaux, William Li, and Christopher dents were in class.” And, clearly, the students now Nachtshelm, which received excellent reviews. see themselves as future leaders. One of them (Mike And the Statistical Practice Conference, which Hussey) wrote, “I wish to contribute by mentoring debuts this month, offers short courses and a track students and younger statisticians to become lead- for topics in career development. ers themselves. … I want to establish a work envi- Clearly, our students prize this type of training, ronment where I am seen as a resource more than and it can be a major benefit of ASA membership as ‘the boss’.” Another student (Jennifer Clark) for younger statisticians. Active service in our asso- noted, “You cannot fully plan or prepare for the ciation also offers excellent opportunities to develop leadership roles that you will someday take on. … leadership ability, and I plan to address that in my I hope to be able to take the skills and ideas that I March column. learned in this class and use them as I develop my I hope I have convinced you that statistical lead- own leadership style.” ership is possible for most of us—not just for a chosen few—and that growing our ability to influence Teaching Scientific Communication Skills and inform should matter to all of us. The ability to communicate clearly with a variety of audiences is essential not only for statistical leaders,

4 amstat news february 2012 Preparing Biostatisticians for Leadership Opportunities Lisa LaVange, William Sollecito, David Steffen, Lori Evarts, and Michael Kosorok

new course on statistical leadership, offered by the department of biostatistics in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at TheA University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was launched last fall. The course was the result of a year-long planning effort initiated by department chair, Michael Kosorok, and a planning committee of senior faculty led by professor William Kalsbeek. The motivation for offering a course in leadership was two-fold. First, the planning committee determined that many UNC biostatistics graduates held leadership positions throughout academia, government, and industry. Providing a course in leadership would ensure graduates were well-equipped to meet the challenges they would face when tapped for such a position. Second, the committee deter- Leadership in Biostatistics students discuss strategic planning during a break- mined the concepts of organizational leadership and out session. From left: Margaret Polinkovsky, Daniela Sotres-Alvarez (faculty skills required to become an effective leader were member auditing the course), and Alison Wise. not covered in any other course. As stated by the planning committee, “The general goal of this course is for students to understand where and how biostatisticians can offer leadership in this decision was that students enrolled in the (statistical and otherwise) in both academic and course had limited prior management or leader- nonacademic public health settings.” The commit- ship experience. A large bibliography of suggested tee was also specific in requiring that the course readings was provided, but only two texts were combine lectures with “learning from the experi- required—one directed at managing scientists and ence of biostatisticians who have served in various one directed at team leadership. statistical leadership roles.” A key component of the course content was To address these goals, a team-teaching approach provided by guest lecturers representing contem- was used. The instructors were faculty members in porary leaders of statistical units in industry, gov- the school of public health with extensive leadership ernment, and academia. These guests served the dual experience. The team included Lisa LaVange, William purpose of being role models for students—sharing Sollecito, David Steffen, Lori Evarts, and Kosorok and their personal stories while also posing specific chal- was led by LaVange and Sollecito, each with leader- lenges for the class to solve, drawing upon real-world ship experience in both the private and academic sec- problems each faced in their leadership positions. tors. Steffen conducted a workshop on personal lead- Laura Meyerson, vice president of biometrics ership styles, and Evarts taught project management at Biogen Idec, Inc., served as the leadership role and team leadership. An additional lecturer, Vaughn model from industry, and Kosorok was the guest Upshaw of the UNC School of Government, pro- academic leader. Also, ASA President Robert vided a session on conflict resolution. Rodriguez served as a leader of a professional soci- A broad-based applications approach that took ety/nonprofit organization. LaVange transitioned full advantage of the instructors’ experience and from academia to government mid-semester and combined both leadership and management was able to substitute for the guest lecturer from the skills was used to develop the course. Important government sector.

february 2012 amstat news 5 Photo by Michela Osborn Students report results from a break-out session on organizational structure. Seated, clockwise: Alison Wise, Jennifer Clark, Beth Jablonski Horton, and Annie Green Howard. At board: Michael Hussey and Margaret Polinkovsky.

The course was divided into the following four to balancing work and family life. The guests gave modules: feedback to the students on their proposed solutions. This real-world problemsolving was clearly one of 1. Broad leadership concepts (e.g., vision, cul- the most well-received parts of the course. ture, strategic thinking, communication, Another popular and unique aspect of the course motivation) was a workshop to determine personal leadership style. Individual assessments were completed using 2. Management skills (e.g., delegation, decision- the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Emotional making/analysis, project management) Intelligence Indicator. An analysis and discussion 3. Leadership styles (personal, team, and organi- was carried out in class, including group exercises to zational) illustrate differences among the leadership styles. The course ended with a review of key concepts 4. Guest leader presentations (leadership stories and an emphasis on the fact that leadership educa- and class problemsolving) tion requires lifelong learning, much like mastering statistical skills. It was emphasized that this course Additional topics that spanned the modules was not an end to the students, leadership education. included financial literacy, conflict resolution, Feedback from students about the course was empowerment, diversity, and leading change. positive. The students exhibited high levels of During this inaugural semester, the class includ- enthusiasm and class participation, and all agreed ed doctoral students with varying degrees of work the course was a valuable learning experience. experience, as well as two faculty members who Comments from students included the following: audited the course. Discussion benefited from the variety of backgrounds and expectations brought • “This is a great course that I would recom- into the classroom. The class met once a week for mend to any biostat student.” three hours. Exercises that involved team activities were • “This was a great course with speakers that emphasized early on, and—based on student had very useful and relevant information and feedback—provided a good learning experience. first-hand experience that would have been Problems posed by the guest lecturers for students difficult for me to find/learn on my own.” n to solve in class ranged from developing strategic plans to addressing personnel issues in the workplace

6 amstat news february 2012 Scientific Course Strengthens Students’ Communication Skills Jeanine M. Buchanich, University of Pittsburgh

From left: LunChing Chang, Xiaozhi Zhou, Lei Ye, Zhen Zeng, Olufunmilayo Ogundele, Jiayan He, Haiwen Shi, Zhaowen Sun, and Yihe Huang

iostatisticians help scientists their own work. Students typi- The course also helps stu- and other researchers for- cally use their own research topic, dents meet cross-disciplinary mulate research questions, including work on a thesis or dis- competencies developed by the Bmake decisions based on data, and sertation, allowing them to direct- Association of Schools of Public discuss and synthesize results. To ly translate the skills they learn in Health in the domains of com- fulfill that role, biostatisticians class to their own work. munications and informatics and must be able to effectively com- Not only does the course help professionalism. These competen- municate to a variety of audiences. students in their coursework dur- cies include communicating with These communication skills ing their graduate studies, but also different audiences in the con- include listening to others describe as they transition to their profes- text of professional public health their work and their problems; sional lives—communicating at activities and commitment to translating problem statements scientific meetings, writing grants lifelong learning and professional made by others into statistical and manuscripts for professional service, including active participa- questions; formulating and solving journals, drafting résumés, inter- tion in professional organizations. the problems quantitatively using viewing, and sharing techniques By far, the most rewarding statistical methods for design and with colleagues. These are lifelong aspect of the course has been see- analysis; and reporting, discussing, skills that can enable biostatisti- ing the students' confidence in and synthesizing results. cians to serve not only on a sta- their presentation skills grow. The Faculty in the department of tistical program core, but also in Graduate School of Public Health biostatistics at the University of management and leadership posi- holds a 'Dean's Day' student com- Pittsburgh Graduate School of tions where communication skills petition annually and, last year, C. Public Health developed a scien- are essential for influencing others. Akunna Emeremni, who com- tific communication skills course One of the main objectives pleted the course, won first to strengthen students’ commu- for graduates of the biostatistics place in the Biostatistics PhD nication skills using different sci- program is to “communicate the category. After the competition, entific presentation formats (i.e., results of biostatistical analyses to she thanked me for the infor- oral, poster, written). Specifically, individuals with varying degrees mation, advice, and practice she the objectives are to develop writ- of statistical knowledge.” Effective received in the course. ten and oral communications/ written and oral communication We want our graduates to presentations describing and inter- skills are critical when convey- be successful statistical leaders, preting statistical analyses for dif- ing biostatistical information. In and effective communication ferent audiences; perform critiques the current biostatistics curricu- skills are an integral part of that of written, oral, and visual mate- lum, students do not have many development. n rials; and incorporate suggestions opportunities to refine their com- and criticisms from critiques into munication skills.

february 2012 amstat news 7 International Year of Statistics Strives to Increase Visibility of Profession Ron Wasserstein, ASA Executive Director

he ASA has joined other of statistics to the broader scien- groups to participate in this cel- leading statistical societies tific community, business and ebration of statistics. In addi- to declare 2013 the government data users, media, tion, universities, government TInternational Year of Statistics in policymakers, employers, stu- agencies, businesses—in short, order to promote the importance dents, and the general public. The any organization that recog- goals of the International Year of nizes the importance of statis- Statistics (also known as Statistics tics—are invited to participate. Getting Involved 2013) include the following: To register your organization’s There is a variety of ways organizations and societies • Increasing public awareness of interest in participating, sim- might choose to recognize an international year of the power and effect of statis- ply send your organization’s name and the name and email statistics, including the following: tics on all aspects of society address of a contact person to • conferences • videos • Nurturing statistics as a profes- ASA Executive Director Ron sion, especially among young • workshops • op-ed pieces in local Wasserstein at [email protected]. people To see who else is participating, • symposia and national media • blogs • Promoting creativity and visit http://statistics2013.org. • career fairs development in the sciences of We hope many groups will • outreach fairs • weekly “featured probability and statistics emphasize activities that engage statisticians” • public service The ASA is encouraging its students and potential students of announcements • special editions of chapters, sections, and outreach statistics, helping them to become magazines or journals more aware of statistics as a key scientific discipline. Some organizations might consider special foci, such as a broad statistical literacy outreach or promoting the ways in which statistics advances science and improves the human condition. These ideas are intended to stimulate thinking about pos- sibilities, not to limit it in any way. If you have ideas regarding ways to celebrate statistics in 2013, drop a note to Wasserstein or any of the other members of the International Year of Statistics Steering Committee (see http:// statistics2013.org/committee.cfm): Richard Emsley Adam Jakubowski Denise Lievesley David Madigan Sastry Pantula Ada van Krimpen Vijay Nair With Statistics 2013 and the 175th anniversary of the ASA in 2014, the next few years promise to be exciting. n Consider Director of Programs Donating he American Statistical Association is seeking a director of Textbooks to programs to report to and work closely with the executive director to execute the ASA’s strategic and short-range Statisticians Tplans. Examples of important activities under way include the International Year of Statistics, 175th anniversary of the ASA, in Cuba accreditation, advocacy, and education. Other initiatives will arise Chris Barker as the association continues to grow and the profession continues to advance. As a member of the ASA’s leadership team, this individual will help advance the ASA’s efforts to promote the practice he average monthly and profession of statistics. salary in Cuba, according to the Responsibilities include: TU.S. Department of State, is $20 a month. A high-quality • Design, develop, and implement new programs, initia- statistics textbook may cost tives, services, and products to help advance the ASA’s $100 in the United States, efforts to grow and advance the statistics profession and which is unaffordable for meet member and user needs in the profession many in Cuba. Consider making a gift of textbooks to • Implement approved strategies for new program develop- our Cuban statistics col- ments and improving existing programs leagues and the mathematics statistics library in Havana. • Liaise with all relevant committees, chapters, sections, During a recent visit, I and volunteer leaders in planning, oversight, coordina- brought an extra suitcase tion, and execution of all projects, programs, products, with about 30 pounds of and services in these areas of responsibility textbooks—about two dozen • Write proposals and reports for general and specific pro- books. Upon arriving at cus- gram support toms, an agent searched my suitcase and flipped through • Serve as a key resource person to members, staff, various the pages of each textbook, audiences, and the public but there were no problems. While travel to Cuba We seek an individual with at least six years of experience as a is not widely advertised, it statistician beyond the individual’s highest degree (with a prefer- is possible and reasonably ence for individuals holding a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or convenient for Americans a closely related quantitative field); experience with multidisci- to visit. Most important is plinary teams, volunteers, and committees; demonstrated ability to arrange a trip through to effectively manage multiple processes and projects; excellent an organization that has or interpersonal and oral and written communication skills. This can obtain a license(s) and individual should share the staff’s passion for promoting the prac- arrange the visas for travel. tice and profession of statistics. For more information Excellent benefits include health, dental, and vision insur- about Cuba or to donate ance; 401(k); tuition reimbursement; and subsidized public books, contact me transportation. Candidates should submit a letter of applica- at chrismbarker@ tion, including salary history and résumé. All materials should yahoo.com. be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Human Resources- Surveys/Director of Programs, American Statistical Association, 732 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. The American Statistical Association is an Equal Opportunity employer. n

february 2012 amstat news 9 Annual Fund Drive Reaches Still Higher Scott Evans, 2011 ASA Development Committee Chair • Advocating to Congress and others promoting statistical literacy for K–12 students 2011 Annual Fund Drive Team • Addressing statistical edu- Scott Evans, Development Committee Chair cation in the Common Core State Standards for John Boyer, Development Committee Member Mathematics A. Blanton Godfrey, Development Committee • Supporting student travel Member awards Don Hedeker, Development Committee Member • Supporting a number of Joyce Narine, ASA Accountant and Grants small conferences in devel- Manager oping countries Keith Ord, ASA Treasurer • Developing the new Steve Porzio, ASA Associate Executive Director and STATtr@k website for Director of Operations young statistics professionals Jerry Schindler, Development Committee Member Supporters of the 2011 annual Ron Wasserstein, ASA Executive Director fund drive are listed at the end of this article. Also listed are those Lee Wilkinson, Development Committee Member members who have taken part in the last three annual fund drives. The ASA is deeply fortunate to have such consistent support. he generous support of “I have come to realize how about 570 ASA members much ASA has given to me and led to a record total of how fortunate I have been to Tcontributions to the ASA’s know so many of its members,” Annual Fund Drive during 2011. said Susan Spruill, a statisti- Nearly $50,000 was received, up cal consultant. “I rely on ASA’s $16,000 from last year’s record publications and its members figure. Of this $50,000 figure, to help keep me up to date on about $12,000 was for memorial methodologies and issues fac- gifts designated for scholarships ing our profession. That’s why it honoring Bernie Harris and is important to be a member of Martha Aliaga. The remaining the ASA and to contribute to its $38,000 still exceeds the 2010 continued efforts to educate the record figure by about 12%. Any next generation of statisticians way you look at it, ASA members and promote our profession’s sig- have set new marks for generosity. nificance in all areas of science, These funds helped the ASA humanity, finance, and education promote the practice and pro- while upholding and promoting fession of statistics in several professional integrity.” ways during 2011. Here are a “I have had a very exciting and few examples of the ways gifts rewarding career in statistics for from ASA members were put to the past 30 years,” noted Eileen good use: King of Cincinnati Children’s

10 amstat news february 2012 Hospital Medical Center. “My Lori and Marc Brody Benjamin Davis career has allowed me the oppor- Nancy Brucken Alan Davis tunity for continual growth both <$100 Athula Abeyratne Babette Brumback Roger Day in the statistical and health care arena. I am always looking for Suja Aboukhamseen Rebecca Buchanan Kweku Degraft Johnson opportunities to promote the John Abowd Leonard Buchner Yves Deville field of statistics as a career to Erin Abrahams Janet Buckingham Norou Diawara anyone with an aptitude for Michael Adena math and science. I gave to the Vicki Burt David Dillard ASA Annual Fund because I William Aflleje Carolee Bush Kevin Dobbin wanted to help fund opportuni- Rabia Ahmad Norman Bush Chris Dorger ties for promoting the field of Khalid Algabir Brian Drury statistics and for providing funds Patricia Busk to students who are interested in Diahn Allen Shail Butani Joel Dubin a career in statistics.” Rich Allen Thomas Butts Richard Dudley Carol Thompson of Johns Lily Altstein Allen Buxton Michelle Dunn Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said, “I consider Wendy Alvey Terri Byczkowski Isabelle Dupzyk the membership dues I pay to Jana Anderson Gregory Campbell Brenda Edwards be a fair reimbursement for the Alexander Andronov Joseph Cappelleri Michael Elliot benefits I receive and of which I Consuelo Arellano can take advantage. I choose to Frank Caridi Tina Enemuoh donate additionally as my ‘invest- Valerie Arneson Michael Carson Thomas Erdahl ment’ in what ASA can provide Selwyn Au Daniel Casey Nurtan Esmen in the future to our members and Stanley Azen Grace Chan Daniel Feaster to further enhance our profession’s role in society.” Geraldine Baggs Anne-Sophie Charest Wenjuan Feng The ASA Annual Fund Drive Jarrett Barber Len and Judy Charles Huaguang Feng is further improved by organi- Laurie Barker Mon-Gy Chen David Fennell zations that supply matching funds to employee donations. Mary Bartholomew Cheng Chen David Findley We received matching funds this Donald Bauder Janet Cherry Dianne Finkelstein year from the following compa- Carolyn Beaudot Sandra Clarkson Terry Flanagan nies (ASA member donor name Cynthia Beller in parentheses): David Collins Margrethe Flanders Maria Beltrami-Carter Peter Compton Peter Flom • Amgen (George Williams and Alan Berger Margaret Connolly Julie Fondurulia Steve Snapinn) Veronica Berrocal Kimon Constas Doris Fontes • GE Foundation (Tim Keyes) Charles Berry Charles Contant Richard Forshee • Millennium Pharmaceuticals Wayne Bialas Tara Cope Samuel Fourie (Mingxiu Hu) Vadim Bichutskiy John Cornell Ralph Frankowski • Monsanto (Margaret Nemeth) Luigi Biggeri Michael Costello Morton Frankson • Pfizer (Christy Chuang-Stein) Brian Birch Michael Crane Roger French Gerard Blais Shirley Crary Julie Frentz The 2012 annual fund drive Todd Blessinger Jeff Cromwell Brenda Fujikawa will kick off in late spring, though members have the opportunity to Ricardo Bolado Harry Cullings Neal Fultz contribute throughout the year Andrew Booker Nina Cunningham Gary Gadbury when they renew their member- Suko Bose Jeanne Cushing Mitchell Gail ships. On behalf of the ASA and Nicholas Bowersox the development committee, Veronika Czellar A. Gallant thank you for your support. Carles Breto Yahya Daoud Constantine Gatsonis William Bridges Nairanjana Dasgupta Alexios Ghalanos

february 2012 amstat news 11 Arundhati Ghosh Jeanine Houwing-Duistermaat Kelvin Lee Richard Giambrone Welling Howell Sal Leggio Phillip Gilley Yu-yi Hsu Eric Leifer Michael Ginevan Ernst Hyacinthe Cleridy Lennert-Cody James Gleaton ICF International Russell Lenth John Glynn Manabu Iwasaki Sally Lesik Ramanathan Gnanadesikan William Iwig David Letcher Emma Godfrey Justin Jacobs Adele Levine Cynthia Goldstein-Hart Peter Jaehnig Ernst Linder Joe Gonzalez Gareth James Samuel Litwin William Goodman Imke Janssen Gang Liu Arnold Goodman Amara Jayewardene Colin Loftin Leonard Gordon Jewish Primary Day School Anthony Lonardo Jerry Gorham 5th Grade Class Thomas Love James Grady Robert Johansen Kimberly Love-Myers Robert Gray Brian Johnson Wenbin Lu Theodore Gray Borko Jovanovic Dennis Luckey Michael Greene Masato Kagihara Gheorghe Luta Natalia Gridneva Ihsan Karabulut Timothy Lutz Susan Groshen Alex Kartashov Ryan Machtmes Arun Prasad Charis Kaskiris Wendy Mack Gurubaramurugeshan Richard Kasul Greg Maislin Irwin Guttman Talbot Katz Dalisay Maligalig Adam Hafdahl Elizabeth Kelly Michael Marron Gerald Hahn Arthur Kennickell Jack Marshall James Hall Sibusisiwe Khuluse Nami Maruyama Michael Hallman David Kimble Joseph Massaro Katherine Halvorsen Martin Klein Shelley Matsuba Darrell and Jean Handrich Carol Klein Ryan Mattson James Harris Barbara Klotz Margaret Maxfield Bradley Hartlaub Henry Kranendonk Jacinth Maynard

Thank You Gary Hatfield Mitchell Krask Alexander McClung Nathaniel Heckert Laura Kubatko Thomas McCoy Donald Hedeker Lee Kucera Monnie McGee Irene Helenowski Scott Kush Kimberly McGuigan Jon Helgeland Herbert Lacayo Raymond McIntyre David Higdon Jodi Lapidus John McKenzie Klaus Hinkelmann Mary Larson Edward McLeod Chiang-Hong Ho Eugene Laska Donald McMahon Erin Hodgess Lisa LaVange Linda McWilliams Thomas Hoffman Philip Lavin Michael Meredith Heike Hofmann Jerald Lawless Ruth and Al Michaelsen Richard Holcomb Louise Lawson William Mietlowski John Holcomb Martin Lee Mary-Jane Mietlowski

12 amstat news february 2012 Steven Millard Ronald Randles Miles Simpson Daniel Wardrop Gregory Miller Sudhakar Rao Craig Slinkman Michael Wathen Renee Miller Ray Redd Jeffrey Smith Watts Landscaping Service Mark Miller Paul Reed Brian Smith Michael Weaver George Milliken Melissa Reitkopp Stephanie Smullen Clarice Weinberg William Morgan Joel Reynolds Steven Sonder James Wendelberger Charles Nam Robert Reynolds Henry Sopher Brady West Rocco Napoli Julian and Katherine Susan Spruill Peter Westfall Joyce Narine Rheaume Christopher Sroka Anton Westveld Ronald Neath Matthew Riebel Nancy Stambler James Whipple Long Ngo Mary Ritter Ryan Steckel Charles White Michael Nolte Douglas Robson Marco Steenbergen Linda Whitehand Eric Nordmoe Richard Rode Susan Stewart Mark Wilcoxen Chioma Nwosu Juan Romo John Stickler Kenneth Wilkins Daniel Oberle Michael Rossi Daniel Stram G. Williamson Bryan Oberle Clayton Ruffino Robin Streeter Othmar Winkler Claire O'Connor Estelle Russek-Cohen John Strohm Deb and Jon Winkler Tetsuji Ohyama Rachel Rutkowski Mark Strong Michael Wolf Maria Ojeda George Ryan Walter Stroup Derek Wong David Olive William Sabol Ruth Swanton Caleb Wright Frank Olken Susan Sanchez Glenn Swetman Michael Wulfsohn Alistair O'Malley Ulderico Santarelli Jeffrey Switchenko Kazunori Yamaguchi Nicholas Pajewski Robert Santos Daniel Tancredi Jie Yang Anita Palmer Niraj Sapkota Kezhen Tang Hung-Wen Yeh Mari Palta Sandra Kay Savik Eshetu Tefera Lisa Ying Eric Panken Terrance Savitsky Thomas Tenhave Marian Yong Charles Papsadore Arnold Saxton Erin Thomas Tonglin Zhang Won Park Robert Scheer Steven Thomson Jun Zhang Ian Parke Nathaniel Schenker Surya Tokdar Georgia Ziemba Morgan Paul Patterson Christopher Schmid Tamara Tom Corwin Zigler Raymond Peck Paul Schmidbauer Robert Torotra James Peluso Mildred Schmidt Shirley Tsai David Person Paul Schneeman Jay Tuthill $100–$499 Luigi Pieri David Schoenfeld Esa Uusipaikka Dorothee Aeppli Jose Pinheiro John Schoolfield Sean Vadney Alfredo Aliaga Martha Pohl John Schuenemeyer David van Dyk Albert Anderson Laila Poisson Stephen Senn Cynthia Van Arlene Ash William Pollard John Senner Landingham Vincent Barabba Martin Posch Nagambal Shah Julia Volaufova Carol Bigelow Philip Prorok Ningyan Shen Roger Walker Richard Bittman David Pyne Patrick Shrout John Walsh Mary Ellen Bock Jing Qian Michael Shwartz Liuxia Wang John Boyer Weiliang Qiu Satya Siddani Naisyin Wang James Breneman James Ramsey Eric Siegel Ferdinand Wang Peter Bruce

february 2012 amstat news 13 Kenneth Burnham Uwe Koehn Lev Sverdlov Bruce Craig Nicholas and Georgia Kolettis Wendy Swanson David Cross Peter Lachenbruch TDS Construction Cytel James M. Landwehr Ronald Thisted Robert Davis Audrey Lee Carol Thompson Jay Devore Rod Little Alan Tupek Jim Dickey Thomas Louis Vassiliy Voinov Marie Diener-West Marcus Theatres of Madison Christine Waternaux Jonas and Susan Ellenberg Robert Mason Sanford Weisberg Scott Evans Madhuchhanda Mazumdar Andrew White Ronald Fecso Donald McClure George Williams Justin Fisher Barbara McIntyre Gooloo Wunderlich Christine Franklin Jeri Metzger Donald Ylvisaker Stephen Ganocy Katherine Monti Jerome Yurow Joseph Gastwirth Jerry Moreno Marvin Zelen John Gaudiosi Motomi Mori Thomas Gerig Michael Mout Robert Gerwien Ed and Jeri Mulrow $500–$999 Dennis Gilliland Mary Mulry Christy Chuang Stein Yesvy Gustasp Wayne Nelson Nancy Geller Donald Guthrie Margaret Nemeth Mark Gunderson John Hall Rebecca Nichols Dallas Johnson Susan Handrich Robert T. O'Neill Daniel Kasprzyk Choudary Hanumara Jean Opsomer Jon Kettenring Frank Harrell J. Keith Ord Margaret Martin Brian Harris-Kojetin Roxy Peck Sally Morton Xuming He Eva Petkova Sastry Pantula Susan Hilsenbeck Martin Ribe Robert Rodriguez David Hoaglin Barbara Robles Steve Snapinn Nicholas Horton Joan Rosenblatt Juanita Tamayo Lott Michael Ikeda Charles Rowland Jessica Utts

Thank You Nicholas Jewell V. Samaranayake Leland Wilkinson Richard and Roberta Johnson Adriano Sarmiento Gerald Joireman Stanley Sclove Henry Kahn Richard Smith $1,000 + Lee Kaiser Marla Smith David Banks Graham Kalton Dolores Smith Keith Crank Theodore Karrison Society for Industrial and Marie Davidian Jerome Keating Applied Mathematics Susan Harris Tim Keyes Daniel Solomon Mingxiu Hu Eileen King Ed Spar J. Stuart Hunter Elizabeth King-Sloan Nancy Spruill Ron Wasserstein Gary Koch Robert Starbuck John Stewart

14 amstat news february 2012 Participants from the last three annual fund drives Erin Abrahams Joseph Gastwirth Russell Lenth Paul Schmidbauer Michael Adena Nancy Geller David Letcher Mildred Schmidt Dorothee Aeppli Thomas Gerig Anthony Lonardo John Schoolfield Alfredo and Martha Aliaga Robert Gerwien Thomas Love John Schuenemeyer Lily Altstein Alexios Ghalanos Timothy Lutz Stanley Sclove Wendy Alvey Michael Ginevan Ryan Machtmes Nagambal Shah Alexander Andronov Ramanathan Gnanadesikan Wendy Mack Patrick Shrout Arlene Ash Joe Gonzalez Dalisay Maligalig Satya Siddani Stanley Azen Arnold Goodman Nami Maruyama Eric Siegel David Banks William Goodman Robert Mason Dolores Smith Jarrett Barber Susan Groshen Joseph Massaro Marla Smith Laurie Barker Donald Guthrie Madhu Mazumdar Steve Snapinn Thank You Maria Beltrami-Carter Adam Hafdahl Alexander McClung Daniel Solomon Todd Blessinger Choudary Hanumara Barbara McIntyre Steven Sonder Mary Ellen Bock Jon Helgeland Raymond McIntyre Ed Spar Ricardo Bolado Susan Hilsenbeck John McKenzie Nancy Spruill John Boyer David Hoaglin Mary-Jane Mietlowski Christopher Sroka Nancy Brucken Heike Hofmann William Mietlowski Robert Starbuck Janet Buckingham Richard Holcomb Steven Millard Marco Steenbergen Norman Bush Nicholas Horton Katherine Monti John Stewart Thomas Butts Welling Howell Jerry Moreno Susan Stewart Frank Caridi Yu-yi Hsu Sally Morton Mark Strong Anne-Sophie Charest J. Stewart Hunter Ed and Jeri Mulrow Walter Stroup Christy Chuang Stein Michael Ikeda Mary Mulry Wendy Swanson Sandra Clarkson Manabu Iwasaki Margaret Nemeth Ruth Swanton Peter Compton William Iwig Claire O'Connor Glenn Swetman Margaret Connolly Peter Jaehnig Jean Opsomer Ronald Thisted Charles Contant Imke Janssen J. Keith Ord Carol Thompson Harry Cullings Ananda Jayawardhana Sastry Pantula Cynthia Van Veronika Czellar Masato Kagihara Charles Papsadore Landingham Benjamin Davis Lee Kaiser Raymond Peck Vassiliy Voinov Jay Devore Ihsan Karabulut Luigi Pieri Ron Wasserstein Joel Dubin Theodore Karrison Martha Pohl Andrew White Isabelle Dupzyk Daniel Kasprzyk David Pyne Linda Whitehand Nurtan Esmen Jerome Keating Paul Reed Derek Wong Scott Evans Elizabeth Kelly Melissa Reitkopp Jie Yang Ronald Fecso Elizabeth King-Sloan Martin Ribe Hung-Wen Yeh Huaguang Feng Martin Klein Robert Rodriguez Donald Ylvisaker Dianne Finkelstein Gary Koch Rachel Rutkowski Marian Yong Julie Fondurulia Uwe Koehn William Sabol Marvin Zelen Samuel Fourie Peter Lachenbruch V. Samaranayake Corwin Zigler Christine Franklin Jodi Lapidus Ulderico Santarelli Ralph Frankowski Eugene Laska Robert Santos Neal Fultz Eric Leifer Robert Scheer

february 2012 amstat news 15 Highlights from the COPAFS December 2011 Meeting Robert Lussier, COPAFS Representative, Government Statistics Section

COPAFS is the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics and acts as an advocate for the development and dissemination of high-quality federal statistics. Mem- ber organizations include professional associations, businesses, research institutes, and others interested in federal statistics. Through COPAFS, members have an opportunity to review and affect issues such as timeliness, quality, confidentiality, and the relevance of data. COPAFS holds quarterly meetings, the last one being on December 2, 2011. Detailed minutes, together with copies of the overheads used by the presenters, can be found at www.copafs.org.

OPAFS chair Felice Levine announced that devoted to assessment, early childhood international Ed Spar will be stepping down as COPAFS and crosscutting studies, elementary/secondary and executive director at the end of 2012. libraries studies, and postsecondary studies. AnybodyC interested in the executive director position Seastrom presented a list of NCES programs and should contact the board. surveys. The National Assessment of Educational All current eligible board members agreed to serve Progress (NAEP) is an ongoing nationwide assess- for the coming year, including the following: ment of what American students know and can do Chair—Felice Levine in various subject areas. 2011 had notable projects, including a 2009 science report card; 2009 high- Past Chair—Judie Mopsik school transcript study; and 2010 report cards on Vice Chair—Maurine Haver civics, history, geography, reading, and mathematics. A state mapping report is using NAEP as a Secretary—Ken Hodges yardstick to compare proficiency standards across Treasurer—Seth Grimes states. The report finds wide variation among state Members at Large—Ralph Rector, Linda proficiency standards. Jacobsen, Bob Parker, and Chet Bowie Other programs include a geomapping application that currently reports data at the school district A motion to approve the 2012 board was made level, but is being enhanced to produce boundaries and seconded, and the 2012 board was approved. for specific public schools, the Schools and Staffing As part of his executive director’s report, Ed Spar Survey, the College Affordability and Transparency talked about budgets. Nearly all agencies are look- Center (providing information about tuition ing at numbers that are worse than the previous year. and net prices at postsecondary institutions), a Especially hard-hit agencies include the U.S. Census Baccalaureate and Beyond study, a program for the Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of international assessment of adult competencies, Justice Statistics. and the National Household Education Surveys (NHES). Seastrom described improvements being A Review of Plans for the National Center applied to the various surveys. for Education Statistics Marilyn Seastrom of the National Center for An Overview of American Demographic Education Statistics (NCES) described her organi- History zation as collecting, reporting, analyzing, and dis- Census Bureau retiree Campbell Gibson described seminating statistics on the condition and progress the website (www.demographicchartbook.com) he and of education at the preschool, elementary, secondary, some colleagues are putting together that is devot- postsecondary, and adult levels in the United States ed to the demographic history of the United States and other nations. as shown by data from the census. The census is a The NCES budget has been just under $240 mil- great source of historical data and trends, much of lion in recent years. The NCES major divisions are it going back to the first census in 1790. Gibson

16 amstat news february 2012 acknowledged Historical Statistics of the United States: Research on Measuring Same-Sex Millennial Edition as the source of many data points. Couples Gibson proceeded with a series of charts illustrat- Nancy Bates of the U.S. Census Bureau presented ing interesting historical facts and patterns. He con- on measurement error in relationship and mari- cluded by suggesting that census data can make valu- tal status questions. The bureau faces challenges able contributions to the teaching of American because societal and legal definitions of marriage history and expressed hope that the website have changed and new terms—such as same-sex might encourage greater use of census data in the husbands/wives, domestic partnerships, and civil history classroom. unions—have become widespread. Complicating Rural Statistical Areas: A Rural-Centric matters are state-to-state variations in the recognition of same-sex marriage and the lack of any Approach to Defining Geographic Areas federal-level recognition. Michael Ratcliffe of the U.S. Census Bureau An interagency workgroup on measuring rela- described the Rural Statistical Area (RSA) as a pro- tionships in federal household surveys has conducted posed concept in response to dissatisfaction with the focus groups and found that respondents have inter- way urban and metropolitan definitions treat rural preted questions in a manner consistent with legal and nonmetropolitan as residuals, combined with status. However, the groups identified the need for frustration with the limited geographic detail for response options reflecting new legal unions. New which one-year ACS data are reported. A state could versions of the relationship and marital status ques- have rural area with a population of 400,000, but no tions were developed. Cognitive interviews were con- way to subdivide to smaller areas meeting the 65,000 ducted. The next step calls for further testing of the population threshold for the reporting of one-year recommended version of these questions. ACS data. Martin O’Connell of the U.S. Census Bureau The RSA concept was developed as part of a described data on same-sex couple households. three-year joint research project between the Census The totals fluctuate, with the 2000 census at about Bureau and State Data Centers (SDCs). The goal 250,000 same-sex married couples and the ACS just was to use rural counties (and potentially county under 400,000 through 2007, then dropping to subdivisions and/or census tracts) as building blocks under 150,000 due to forms and processing changes. to create rural or predominantly rural sub-state areas The 2010 census count jumped up to 350,000, a of 65,000 or more people to enhance the analysis of total known to be unrealistically high. A revised ver- one-year ACS data. “Urban” would be the residual in sion of the 2010 census count brings the number this scheme. down to about 130,000. The RSA delineation process started with the clas- One might expect that the excess of same-sex mar- sification of counties based on the U.S. Department ried couples would trace to same-sex couples report- of Agriculture’s Urban Influence (UI) codes, which ing as married when that status is not legally recog- distinguish non-metro counties according to fac- nized. However, the Census Bureau noticed the excess tors such as adjacency to metro areas and presence in the original 2010 number was most pronounced of an urban core. Counties of 65,000 or more in areas with high levels of nonresponse follow-up population were designated as “standalone” RSAs (NRFU). The NRFU form used had a presentation and are, in effect, the residual urban areas. The of the male/female response option that was prone next step was to aggregate counties in a meaningful to misreporting. In other words, accidental errors in way. The approach used established initial group- the reporting of sex seem to have created much of the ings based on the UI codes and highway networks. excess same-sex couples. The NRFU form also was Non-standalone counties were combined until the used in the 2000 census. The problem existed with population threshold of 65,000 was reached. The the 2000 census, but it was not recognized. initial groupings were later modified in an interac- When the excess of same-sex couples was noticed, tive process with the SDCs. the bureau investigated the effect of sex misreport- Looking to next steps, Ratcliffe explained that the ing by comparing reported sex with the likelihood SDC Steering Committee asked the Census Bureau of the name being of that sex. Almost one-third of to adopt RSAs as a standard tabulation geography. same-sex couples were found to be probably opposite The Census Bureau is agreeable, but wants to review sex. With these households reclassified, the same-sex the concept further and issue a Federal Register totals dropped to levels consistent with recent ACS notice seeking comments. estimates and are reported in the “preferred” version. The next COPAFS meeting will take place on March 16. n

february 2012 amstat news 17 Meet EPA’s Chief Statistician Barry D. Nussbaum

mstat News invited Barry D. Nussbaum, chief statistician at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to respond to the following questions so readers could learn more about him and the agency he leads. Look for other statistical agency head interviews in past andA forthcoming issues.

What have you enjoyed most about being chief of proper statistical analysis to decisionmakers con- statistician at EPA? fronted with all these concerns who sometimes feel their degrees of freedom have gone negative. The In many regards, the role of EPA’s chief statistician EPA statistician cannot afford the luxury of con- is to serve as a cheerleader for implementing the fining him or herself to just the statistical area, but use of proper statistical techniques and the proper must integrate it all and effectively communicate interpretation of the resultant statistical inference. the statistical ramifications. I am happy to report We have many analysts scattered throughout EPA’s that this enhanced interactive communication has programs, regions, and laboratories. Establishing improved since I started in this position. I am more an EPA statistics users group to try to provide than willing to acknowledge that I am not EPA’s some cohesion and periodically meeting with these smartest statistician, but I do rank quite high on analysts has been my most enjoyable endeavor. It the effective communicator tail of the distribution. has enabled our folks who are busy on their own individual projects to share problems, techniques, Describe your top two or three priorities going approaches, experiences, and, ultimately, successes. forward. Barry D. Nussbaum Incidentally, this is a statistics users group, not a has been with the statisticians group. I picked that term very carefully It is no secret that EPA is under increased scruti- EPA since 1975, to include those who are in associated fields but per- ny in its regulatory activities. This means its data and became chief form statistical analyses. Initially, I was frequently acquisition, information handling, and resultant statistician in 2006. met with remarks such as “I am not a real statisti- inferences also will be under the magnifying glass. He has taught cian.” To me, this is all the more reason to partake in Simultaneously, budgets to accomplish these efforts graduate statistics these discussions. I notice I now get fewer and fewer are essentially stagnant. This is both an opportunity courses for The of that type of response and far more acknowledge- and a challenge for statistical analyses in EPA. My George Washington ments and appreciation for opening up this dialog first priority is to ensure we effectively use all the University and among users of statistics. possible statistical tools and sampling techniques in Virginia Tech. a comprehensive, cost-effective manner. What do you see as your biggest challenge(s), Hand-in-hand with this is a second priority to and have they changed significantly since you make sure we take our voluminous stock of admin- started this position? istrative data and integrate the information from these sources in a proper, useful manner. The biggest challenge is communication. I am well The next priority recognizes that more and more aware that sounds like a well-worn, threadbare of our efforts involve questionnaires and surveys. answer taken from any field, any application, or Frequently, the allure of the ease of implementing any endeavor involving more than one person! But current survey software is so compelling that one it is real. EPA faces many pressures affecting its rule- neglects the basic tenets of fundamental survey making and enforcement activities. These include design. I have to see that this is not neglected! environmental, legal, economic, scientific, health- based, and data concerns. By properly weaving all What do you see as the role for the broader sta- these concerns together, EPA has been successful. tistical community in supporting your work? But that means communicating the supportive role Answering this is based on serving as the former

18 amstat news february 2012 chair of the ASA’s Statistics and the Environment Section and my current chairmanship of the ASA’s Statistical Partnerships Among Industry, Academe, and Government (SPAIG) committee. I am rou- tinely jealous that at forums such as JSM, atten- dance in environmental sessions rarely is “standing room only.” Similarly, I have noted that most of the action, particularly involving the annual SPAIG award, seems to be collaborations between industry and academe, with little government involved. I think governmental statistics in gener- nDemand al, and environmental statistics in particular, have lots to offer. I would love to garner additional interest in these areas. The ASA’s Popular Web-Based I also think the statistical community could do a Learning Program Is Now Available better job of highlighting successes that have been achieved by effective statistical work. This would help not just EPA, but all those who practice this Anytime, Anywhere trade. I believe the trick is to spotlight the accom- plishment in the applied area and then show it was Enjoy previously recorded web-based lectures based on the statistical work. After all, if Hal Varian, on an on-demand, pay-per-view basis. Google’s chief economist, said statistics is the sexy profession of the decade, let’s take advantage of it. Each two-hour webinar features top What do you see as the biggest accomplish- statisticians discussing their specialties. ment (to date) of you and your colleagues during your tenure? Available topics include: One of my major goals has been to put EPA on the ‘statistical map.’ EPA, of course, is a regulatory Bayesian clinical trials agency and justifiably not primarily acknowledged for its statistical work. Yet, we have done some Stratified analysis excellent work and I am seeing that recognition. I was absolutely thrilled that, in 2011, EPA stat- Survey research methods isticians won both the Jeanne Griffith Mentoring Award (won by Jenise Swall) and the Roger Herriot Please visit www.amstat.org/learnstatondemand Award for Innovation in Federal Statistics (won by Mike Messner). This is the first time either award for the full catalog and to register. went to an EPA recipient. We are on our way! Somewhat more seriously, I think I have seen a better integration of EPA data analysts with the program offices and labs. We are doing a better job of merging the statistical analyses with all our other concerns. By keeping our eyes on the prize, I believe we are far more effective in supporting environmental outcomes. In the 1967 movie “The Graduate,” Dustin Hoffman was given the advice, “Plastics.” What is the one word of advice you give out most as EPA chief statistician? Stratify. n

february 2012 amstat news 19 CENSUS at SCHOOL Uses Real Data to Teach Statistical Problemsolving Champions wanted to expand program Rebecca Nichols, ASA Director of Education

n 2010, with the support of the ASA and Population Association of America, former ASA Director of Education Martha Aliaga and other ASAI staff members worked with prominent statisticians and statistics educators to launch the U.S. version of Census at School—a free, international classroom project that engages students in grades 4–12 in statistical problemsolving using their own real data. The Census at School project (www.censusatschool. com) began in the United Kingdom in 2000 and now includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Japan, and the United States. The ASA is building upon the success of the UK and other countries in using Census at School to enhance statistical problemsolving and interdisciplinary studies using real data of interest to students. Through Census at School, grade 4–12 teachers can enhance their statistics knowledge to better teach the increased statistics content in the Common Core State Standards.

20 amstat news february 2012 In 2010, middle- school students from Washington, DC, participated in the pilot program for Census at School. Former ASA director of education, Martha Aliaga, observes the students while they participate in statistical investigations using their own data.

Under the direction of their teachers, students U.S. Census at School: Its Beginnings involved in the program anonymously complete an online survey, analyze their class census results, and U.S. Census at School began in 2010 as a pilot program then compare those results with results from ran- with middle- and high-school teachers in Washington, dom samples of participating students throughout DC. The teachers met for a series of full-day training the world. Teachers guide students to apply the con- sessions on Saturdays at the ASA office, which included cepts in the GAISE pre-K–12 report (www.amstat. org/education/gaise) and the Common Core State instruction in statistics in context of Census at School and Standards (corestandards.org) by exploring problems how to implement the Census at School program in the that require them to formulate questions of inter- classroom. ASA staff observed the teachers presenting est that can be answered with the Census at School the material to their students in the classroom and their data, collect/select and analyze the data, and make students engaging in statistical investigations in context appropriate conclusions in context. Students are engaged in the statistical problemsolving process of their own Census at School data. Participants in the with real data of interest to them about themselves pilot program helped develop the U.S. questionnaire and their peers. and refine the materials and website before making the The online survey includes 13 questions com- program available. As of December 2011, there were mon to children in every participating country approximately 6,000 students from 37 states who had and a few questions specific to children in each participated in the project. country. All questions lead to a variety of categorical and quantitative responses. The common questions include those related to measurement— length (height, arm span, foot length), travel time View the U.S. Census at School website at to school, reaction time to an online applet, time to www.amstat.org/censusatschool complete an online memory test—and category— favorite sport or activity. The U.S. questionnaire has additional questions about text messaging, hours of sleep, technology usage, future plans, allergies, and preferences (e.g., foods, music, school subject, super power). The entire questionnaire is available at www.amstat.org/censusatschool/students.

february 2012 amstat news 21

Teachers can extract the data submitted by their Getting Involved own students and obtain a random sample of data The ASA is seeking champions to expand the from other students in the United States through U.S. Census at School program. Champions can the online U.S. random sampler or from other be teachers who use the program in their classes countries participating in Census at School through or statisticians and statistics educators who assist the online international random sampler. Both the teachers who are not yet comfortable with statistics U.S. Census at School random sampler and the and statistical problemsolving. There are a variety of international Census at School random sampler are ways to get involved, including sharing information linked from the U.S. Census at School homepage. about the program with local schools, writing lesson Teachers who are comfortable with statistical plans, and teaching local workshops for teachers. problemsolving and data analysis can begin using For those interested in teaching local workshops, the program in their classes at any time. There are the ASA will provide materials. detailed instructions, five instructional webinars, The ASA also is building online Census at School a PowerPoint presentation, and other resources at resources and seeking those interested in writing www.amstat.org/censusatschool/teachers. new U.S. Census at School lesson plans or adapt- ing international Census at School lesson plans for U.S. data. Those teaching grades 4–12 pre-service teachers might consider encouraging them to create lesson plans using U.S. Census at School data and submit them to the STatistics Education Web (STEW), an online bank of peer-reviewed les- STatistics Education Web son plans for K–12 teachers. STEW lesson plans relating to Census at School will be published on the Census at School website in the resources area. For information about submitting lesson plans to STEW, visit www.amstat.org/education/STEW. Educators teaching or advising undergraduate or graduate statistics students might consider encouraging or requiring them to get involved in service onlineSTEW journal of K-12 statistics lesson plans learning by working with grades 4–12 teachers and students to incorporate Census at School and enhance their statistical problemsolving skills. Lesson Plans Wanted for Statistics Education Web Other ideas to enhance and expand the program are welcome. Contact Rebecca Nichols, ASA The new editor of Statistics Education Web (STEW), director of education, at [email protected] about Mary Richardson of Grand Valley State University, these or any efforts regarding service learning or is accepting submissions of lesson plans for an other activities. online bank of peer-reviewed lesson plans for K–12 teachers of mathematics and science. Lesson plans On the Horizon will showcase the use of statistical methods and There will be an international Census at School ideas in science and mathematics based on the workshop held after the 2012 Joint Statistical framework and levels in the Guidelines for Assessment Meetings in San Diego, California, on August 2 and and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) Report: 3. The two-day meeting will provide an opportu- A Pre-K–12 Curriculum Framework (www.amstat.org/ nity for international Census at School leaders and education/gaise). U.S. Census at School champions to coordinate the international Census at School project, share Consider submitting several of your favorite lesson hands-on curriculum materials, achieve common plans according to the STEW template to steweditor@ understanding of the international project, acquire amstat.org. For more information, visit www.amstat. experience with country-specific data-handing org/education/STEW. activities and resources for teachers and students, and increase awareness of international efforts to improve statistical literacy in school children. n

22 amstat news february 2012 JASA Highlights December JASA Features 2011 ASA Presidential Address

011 ASA president, Nancy Geller, addressed members of the association on August 2, 2011, at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Miami2 Beach, Florida. The theme of the annual meeting was “Statistics: An All-Encompassing Discipline.” Geller’s remarks cover the importance of collaboration in allowing statistics to influence many other disciplines. A written version of the address is the lead article in the December issue of the Journal of the American Statistical Association Geller (JASA). Geller draws on her 30 years of experience collaborating with biomedical scientists to provide A second collaborative project uses statisti- advice about what it takes to have successful inter- cal methods to improve quantitative precipitation disciplinary projects. She emphasizes the critical forecasting. In “Geostatistical Model Averaging role of communication for effective collaboration. for Locally Calibrated Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting,” authors William Applications and Case Studies Kleiber, Adrian Raftery, and Tilmann Gneiting The Applications and Case Studies section includes develop an approach to combining information numerous articles that represent the outcome of suc- from an ensemble of weather prediction models that cessful collaborations of the type described by Geller has good performance when examined globally (over in her address. A collaboration between statisticians a large region) or locally (over a smaller region). Roee Gutman and Jun Liu; neuropsychologist The most basic approach to forecasting pre- David Caplan; and speech, language, and hearing cipitation uses an ensemble of numerical weather expert Gayle DeDe explores the nature of aphasia, prediction models to obtain probabilistic forecasts. the loss of the ability to produce and/or compre- These, however, are uncalibrated and biased in the hend language due to brain injury. Their article, sense that the reported probabilities do not match “Rasch Model and Its Extensions for Analysis of empirical results. A variety of authors have devel- Aphasic Deficits in Syntactic Comprehension,” oped statistical post-processing techniques for these finds that the standard approach to analyzing per- forecasts that reduce the bias and produce appropri- formance on sentence comprehension, the Rasch ate calibration when evaluated over a range of loca- model, does not capture scientifically important tions. Kleiber and coauthors introduce a technique features of their data. they call “geostatistical model averaging” (GMA) The study being analyzed asks subjects to per- that allows parameters from the precipitation model form two comprehension tasks on a range of sen- to vary from locality to locality and consequently tence types. The Rasch model generally assumes achieve better local calibration. They demon- independence of responses and thus fails to capture, strate the approach on 48-hour-ahead forecasts of for example, the correlation of respondents’ perfor- daily precipitation in the North American Pacific mance across the two tasks. Gutman and colleagues Northwest, where GMA is shown to have better introduce a mixture model that clusters patients local and global calibration than existing methods. into similar response patterns and abilities. The mixture model better describes the experimental Theory and Methods results and produces additional scientific insights The notion of “agreement” permeates statistical into how patients use different cognitive resources thinking. A casual survey courtesy of the Web of in different comprehension tasks. Science reveals on the order of 200 papers associated

february 2012 amstat news 23 cept they call “broad sense agreement” (BSA). BSA extends the classical notion of “agreement” to allow … including one paper titled one to assess the correspondence of a continuous measurement and an ordinal scale. The authors “Agreeing to Disagree.” propose and study a robust nonparametric estimator of broad sense agreement. Inference, including variance estimation and confidence interval construction, is carried out via large-sample asymp- totic approximations. The authors conclude with an application to a study of antidepressants in with the topic keyword “agreement,” including one malignant melanoma patients. The new estima- paper titled “Agreeing to Disagree.” In biomedical tor of broad sense agreement is used to assess the studies “agreement” is often used synonymously agreement between two measures of depression, the with “reliability” to refer to examining the similar- Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and a self- ity among different diagnostic tests or raters, or to report dimensional scale (Carroll-D). validate a new diagnostic instrument by comparing Regression tree methods and related recursive- it to a gold standard. Agreement studies of this type partitioning–based methods have been widely are generally designed to address the reproducibility studied since the publication of Leo Breiman of measures of the same kind and are therefore lim- and coauthors’ Classification and Regression Trees. ited to comparing measurements on the same scale. Although recursive-partitioning methods are com- In “A Framework for Assessing Broad Sense monly applied to survey data collected via complex Agreement Between Ordinal and Continuous sample designs, the sampling properties and large- Measurements,” Limin Peng, Ruosha Li, Ying sample convergence of trees and partitioning meth- Guo, and Amita Manatunga introduce a con- ods has been little studied for such data. Daniell Toth and John Eltinge address this gap in their article, “Building Consistent Regression Trees from Complex Sample Data.” The authors propose and study a method for incorporating complex sample design information Biopharmaceutical Symposium to Offer when constructing regression trees via recursive partitioning algorithms. Toth and Eltinge demonstrate Tutorials, Short Courses sufficient conditions on the population, sample design, and partitioning algorithm for their proposed estimator to be asymptotically design unbi- The nineteenth annual Biopharmaceutical Applied Statistics ased (ADU) and asymptotically design consistent Symposium (BASS XIX) will be held November 5–9 at the (ADC) with respect to a super-population model. Mulberry Inn Suites in historic Savannah, Georgia. At least 16 That is, the authors define a nonparametric regres- one-hour tutorials on diverse topics pertinent to the research, sion estimator based on a class of recursive parti- clinical development, and regulation of pharmaceuticals will tioning algorithms that is both ADU and ADC for be presented from November 5–7 by speakers from academia, the super-population regression function. the pharmaceutical industry, and the U.S. Food and Drug Toth and Eltinge illustrate their recursive parti- Administration (FDA). Four parallel two-day short courses will be tioning algorithm with an analysis of Occupational presented November 7–9. Highlights of the symposium include Employment Statistics Survey establishment data the keynote address and reception on November 5 and the FDA linked to Quarterly Census of Employment and biometrics session on November 7. Wage payroll data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BASS is a nonprofit entity, sponsored by the department The example illustrates the effect of complex sample of biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University and the designs on regression tree modeling and the benefits Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern of the new method. University. Its purpose is to raise funds for graduate fellowships There are many other informative articles in in biostatistics. both sections of the December issue, as well as a set For more information, visit http://BASS.georgiasouthern.edu or of book reviews. The full list of articles and a list of contact the BASS registrar at [email protected] or Karl E. the books under review can viewed at http://pubs. Peace at (912) 478-7905 or [email protected]. amstat.org/loi/jasa. n

24 amstat news february 2012 Technometrics Highlights Techno-Tweets: A Rapid Glance at the February 2012 Issue of Technometrics Hugh Chipman, Technometrics Editor

he February 2012 issue of Technometrics is filled with interesting articles. For a change, my summary consists of a “tweet” for each one, attempting to summarize the main points in 140 Tor fewer characters. Comments about this format are welcome at [email protected]—and need not be 140 or fewer characters.

“Massive Data Set Analysis for NASA’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder” by Amy J. Braverman, Eric J. Fetzer, Brian H. Kahn, Evan M. Manning, Robert B. Oliphant, and Joao P. Teixeira # Massive data reduction preserves distributional characteristics, enabling analysis. “Bayesian Scale Space Analysis of Differences in Images” by Lasse Holmström and Leena Pasanen # Smoothing at different levels tells us that some parts of these images are not like the others. “Gaussian Process Single-Index Models as Emulators for Computer Experiments” by Robert B. Gramacy and Heng Lian # New interpretation of “E (Y|x) = f(linear function of x),” with “f” a Gaussian process, for computer experiments “Gaussian Surrogates for Computer Models with Time-Varying Inputs and Outputs” by Max D. Morris # Weight function gives appropriate distance for Gaussian process covariance function with functional data. “Robust Design Optimization with Quadratic Loss Derived from Gaussian Process Models” by Matthias H.Y. Tan and C.F. Jeff Wu # Computationally tractable optimization in robust parameter design incorporates parameter uncertainty. “Robust Designs for Poisson Regression Models” by J.M. McGree and J.A. Eccleston # Optimal design of experiments when optimum depends on unknown parameters “A Robust Standard Deviation Control Chart” by Marit Schoonhoven and Ronald J.M.M. Does # Robust estimation in phase I protects against individual outliers and outlying groups. “Nonparametric Estimation of a Periodic Sequence” by Ying Sun, Jeffrey D. Hart, and Marc G. Genton # Leave-out-one cycle cross-validation finds integer periods in time series. n

february 2012 amstat news 25 Industrial Math/Stat Modeling Workshop to Take Place at NCSU he Industrial Mathematical demia, the workshop has helped journal publications. Often, the and Statistical Modeling many students decide what kind teams come up with useful solu- (IMSM) workshop, to of career they want. In some cases, tions to a company’s problem. takeT place July 16–24 at North this help has taken the form of Moreover, several projects initially Carolina State University, exposes direct hiring by the participating presented at the workshop have graduate students in mathematics companies. By broadening the resulted in long-term collabora- and statistics to real-world prob- horizon beyond what is usually tion between students and faculty lems from industry and govern- presented in graduate education, and the companies involved. ment. The corresponding prob- the workshop gives students inter- The workshop is sponsored lems are not the kind of academic ested in academic careers renewed by the Statistical and Applied exercises often considered in class- excitement about their field. Mathematical Science Institute, rooms. The issues raised in these Additionally, students get Center for Research in Scientific problems typically require fresh experience in the team approach Computation, and the depart- insight for both formulation and to problemsolving. During the ment of mathematics at North solution. Often, the biggest chal- workshop, they are divided into Carolina State University. lenge is figuring out what the real six-member teams. Each team is Local and travel expenses will question is. Students learn how to mentored by both the problem be covered for students at U.S. do this and how to get a usable presenter and a faculty adviser. institutions. The application dead- result under a tight deadline. The team members work togeth- line is April 15. More information By providing a unique expe- er to produce an oral presentation is available at www.samsi.info/ rience of how mathematics and and written report of their results, IMSM12, and questions can be statistics are applied outside aca- which can lead to subsequent directed to [email protected]. n columns

SCIENCE POLICY Statisticians and Clinicians: Collaborations Based on Mutual Respect Donald A. Berry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center This month’s guest columnist, Don Berry, describes his policies and philosophy for developing collaborations between statisticians and clinicians. Since starting at ASA, I’ve heard about the challenge of statisticians to be engaged early in an experiment or study. I invited Berry to do this piece after hearing about his widely respected efforts to address that challenge. ~Steve Pierson, ASA Director of Science Policy ollaborative research is Faculty and analysts in DQS sive cancer center, we get a major about mutual respect. collaborate with faculty and “core grant” from the NCI. One The same principles other personnel in every academ- of the major cores is biostatistics. Capply in any relationship, ic department in the institution, Another is bioinformatics. These whether business, science, or of which there are more than 50. are the only two of the 20-plus marriage. You cannot respect Every academic department is cores that do not charge for their me if I don’t respect you. assigned a faculty member and ‘services.’ I have always insisted I moved to MD Anderson analyst team leader in biostatis- on this policy, and it is sup- in 1999 to found a department tics. These are initial contacts for ported by our administrations, of biostatistics. MD Anderson is clinical and basic scientists in the even though it is not popular the biggest cancer center in the respective departments. with everyone. We are collabora- United States, with an annual Our statisticians become tors. Collaborators don’t pay each budget of more than $3 bil- specialists in the diseases within other to collaborate. However, I lion and more than 1,500 fac- which they collaborate. A stat- encourage joint grants and fund- ulty members, a number that has istician might be responsible ing for statistical collaborators on approximately doubled in the for a single, large department. clinical, translational, and basic last 10 years. More than 10,000 More typically, they are assigned science grants. patients per year participate in several departments that focus Every protocol initiated with- our clinical research. Our statisti- on related diseases. They learn in the institution must have a cians work with our clinicians to about the standard treatments, statistical collaborator. And every design and run hundreds of clini- depending on disease and disease protocol undergoes review by the cal trials each year. subtype. They learn about the biostatistics department. (In view The department of biostatis- biology of the disease, the role of the large number of protocols tics expanded into a division of of biomarkers, etc. My pet peeve presented at the nearly weekly quantitative sciences (DQS)— is the statistician who designs a meetings, the statistical reviewer including a department of bio- clinical trial by asking for the who presents the protocol is lim- informatics and computational null rate, clinically important ited to three minutes, with dis- biology—with more than 40 difference, and accrual rate and cussion being open-ended.) The faculty members and about 45 uses standard software to pro- department develops a consensus statistical analysts. Most of our duce a sample size. Where are review, and this review is com- analysts have master’s degrees; the questions about the disease, municated to the institution’s some have PhDs. The analysts its standard treatment, its preva- review boards (IRBs). Our IRBs are organized into about 10 lence, and its biology? have developed great respect for teams, each with a team leader. We send clear messages to these reviews, in part because They report on a line separate our clinical collaborators that we they represent the whole depart- from division faculty up to the are as interested in curing cancer ment and not a single reviewer. director of quantitative research, as they are. We work as a team. Not incidentally, these review who reports to the division Even though we have tools, we sessions are wonderful learn- head. However, analysts work are not mechanics. ing experiences for students and closely with division faculty on As a National Cancer Institute young faculty. all projects. (NCI)–designated comprehen-

february 2012 amstat news 27 columns

research. For example, a statis- and applying Bayesian methods Be confident, but keep tician works with a clinician in in cancer research. Perhaps the building a design for an actual only relevance of the Bayesian learning, especially about trial and then they publish the approach as regards the sub- design in a statistics journal, ject of this article is that clini- science and medicine. run the trial, and publish the cians relate to it. It’s the way results in a clinical journal. The they think. It provides a bond statistician is the first author on between us. But it is not a nec- the former and second author essary component of a healthy on the latter. collaborative environment. From the beginning, and A major consequence of As much as I avoid using the supported by our president, my our faculty’s statistical research word “service,” we do provide policy was that 50% of faculty is that we have established an services to the institution. Very time would be devoted to devel- excellent reputation in our dis- early on, I established a ‘drop- oping methodology and other cipline. We publish in top sta- in’ statistical clinic, analogous purely statistical research. This tistics journals, as well as in top to a medical clinic. It is staffed is consistent with a traditional medical journals, and we obtain by statistical analysts and is 50:50 division of teaching research grants in both quarters. ‘open’ three times per week. and research at major research Our clinical colleagues know Anyone in the institution can universities and it made us about our strong statistical bring problems to the clinic. competitive in hiring top fac- reputation and they respect us There is no charge. Typical ser- ulty. In practice, the 50% sta- for it. So do reviewers for clini- vices are doing straightforward tistical research is synergistic cal grants. It happens that we analyses and providing advice with our collaborative cancer are best known for developing for incorporating statistical analyses into projects and manuscripts. Some projects turn out to be large, requiring more than an hour or so, and are referred to the statistical faculty member or team leader assigned to the particular client’s department. MD Anderson provides a great environment for promoting collaborations. Its motto is “making cancer history,” something collaborations between our statisticians, clinicians, and basic scientists are helping to do. My advice to statisticians who want to establish equal partnerships relates to my opening sentence: Foster mutual respect. Respect yourselves, including by establishing a statistical reputation outside of your institution. Be confident, but keep learning, especially about science and medicine. Seek to achieve scientific and medically important goals. Think outside of your box. Listen more than you talk. Don’t interrupt. If you hear rot, guide your collaborators down a path that helps them see the rot without you having to announce it. n

28 amstat news february 2012 columns

MASTER'S NOTEBOOK Master’s in Statistics Proves Valuable in Workplace Lauren Bailey

hen I was an undergraduate at the University of California at San Diego, a professor introduced Cantor’s diagonal Wargument. The elegance and creativity of Georg Cantor’s contradiction blew me away. It now seemed the real numbers was merely a giant block of Swiss cheese, containing infinitely many holes. This was the first time I saw mathematics as a creative undertaking, not merely a dry application of stodgy equations. Appreciating that proof was a life-changing day for me and solidified my commitment to mathematics and statistics. Elated, I stood up, grabbed my skateboard, and soared to the registrar’s office to change my major from chemistry to mathematics. The sparkle of ingenuity I discovered that day is embedded in mathematics and statistics. It continues to reveal itself and keeps me motivated to push myself and the boundaries of research. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I question, to discard variables from the model. had a difficult time securing a job. Interview after These new methodologies forced me to consider interview I was told the same thing: “We like that several approaches when analyzing data or set- you have a degree in math; that tells us that you ting up an investigation. One valuable lesson I can think. However, we need someone here who took away from working at UCI was to keep an knows statistics.” I had no idea that statistics was open mind about statistical approaches—there is so valuable in the workplace. As an inroad to the more than one way to skin a cat! subject I loved, I decided to return to school and After working as a researcher at the university complete a master’s degree in statistics. for almost two years, I had identified the objec- Fresh from my master’s degree, I landed my tives that would contribute to a fruitful and stable first job as a research statistician and statistical career for me. These included (1) research leader- programmer at the University of California at ship, (2) specialization, (3) networking and get- Irvine (UCI). I worked with a health economist ting involved, (4) working extremely hard every on several projects involving regulation and qual- day, and (5) smiling. I had (4) and (5) down, so I ity measures of nursing facilities. It was at this job decided to focus on (1)–(3). that I learned about the practical and interdisci- I had taken several biostatistics classes in my plinary nature of statistics, which I continue to master’s program and enjoyed health topics. This find rewarding. seemed like the perfect segue to specialize in a Working on econometric modeling pro- rewarding statistics-related field with a healthy cedures required me to tweak my statistical growth outlook. I thought a doctorate would enable approach and way of thinking. For example, me to obtain the knowledge and credentials I would when deciding which variables to throw out of need to be a lead on a research team. So, I resolved a model, school had taught me to use stepwise to pursue a PhD in biostatistics. In my quest to get regression (or some other type of iterative vari- more involved, I was recently elected secretary for able selection technique). However, my boss the ASA’s Section for Statistical Programmers and disdained these techniques, opting to use joint Analysts. It has been exciting to work with a group F-tests with a pre-selected group of variables committed to representing and enriching the statis- based on the theory underlying the research tical programmer community.

february 2012 amstat news 29 columns

clinicians have different statistical exciting opportunity of assisting all types of researchers with diverse problems. needs than what I expected Much like the lessons learned from my former economist boss, clinicians have different statistical needs than what I expected and they often have a very practical approach to problems. Going back to school has entailed life changes. Recently, a clinician asked me for help analyz- Daily life now involves several challenging classes, ing data from a small investigation. When I pro- providing mentoring to students through a teach- posed several analysis plans using fancy models ing assistantship, and working as a research con- that would yield (somewhat) complicated results sultant. I have relocated from the sunny beaches and multifaceted conclusions, the clinician said, of Southern California (where I spent my entire “No, no. I need something that physicians can life) to Chicago. And winter has just begun to use in the clinic, one simple measure that is easy set in … However, after all these events, I am to use when there are 100 things all happening at confident this was the best choice for me and my once in a busy clinic environment.” I had never future professional objectives. really understood the value of results that are One of my current activities is a research easily interpretable and can be applied quickly assistantship position at the Institute for Health in the clinical setting. Research and Policy. The interdisciplinary work I have been thrilled to go through a journey I enjoyed at UCI continues to expand in my from that initial spark of creativity stemming work at UIC. Clinicians and researchers come from Cantor’s diagonal argument through a mas- to me with their statistical questions and prob- ter’s and now onto doctoral training in an excit- lems to solve. They may need power and sample ing, applicable field where I have the opportu- size calculations for an R-01 grant, exploratory nity to work with and learn from a diverse array longitudinal graphs, or programming help for a of health professionals. n certain flavor of logistic regression. I have the

30 amstat news february 2012 columns

175 The Secret of Survival Is the Promise for the Future: The ASA at 175 Stephen M. Stigler, The University of Chicago

he American Statistical Association was Walker also holds the dubious distinction of being founded in Boston in 1839. In one sense, it the only ASA president to have lost his life in the line was a late arrival. There were some two of duty. Elected in 1882, he served until his death and Tdozen statistical societies begun before 1840, was instrumental in arranging the first ASA meeting including the London (later Royal) Statistical to take place outside the Boston area in late December Society (1835). Some of these had short lives; none of 1896, in Washington, DC. Despite weak health, he of the first three (of four) appearances of the travelled in winter weather to attend and died within Societé de Statistique de Paris (1803, 1829, five days of his return to Boston. 1830) or the Glasgow and Clydesdale Statistical The mission of the ASA at its founding was “to Society (1836) lasted even a decade. Others lin- collect, preserve, and diffuse statistical information gered on much longer before they succumbed; in the different departments of human knowledge.” the Societé de Statistique de Marseille (1827) led Since, at present, the ASA does none of these, at least a fairly active life until about 1900. as “statistical information” was understood in 1839, The secret behind the longevity of the ASA there has clearly been a major change. That change and RSS is not hard to deduce: Both societies began during Walker’s presidency, with the founding adapted and changed with the times, while those of the Journal of the American Statistical Association that remained stagnant failed. All the early statis- (JASA) in 1888 and, consequently, a new role in tical societies began in response to the growing publications. The discipline of a rigorous professional economic activity of the time and to curiosity journal changed the character of the ASA and the about the facts of the state—the “statistics” of focus of its meetings. It moved from being a regional their respective nations. Most contented them- discussion club to a national and then international selves with meetings and discussion; only the RSS producer of research. began a serious publication program before 1840. The focus of the journal has changed, as well. The failed societies slowly or rapidly degenerated Over the first decades of the 20th century, JASA was into social clubs for businessmen and politicians as much an economics journal as a statistics journal. and disbanded when interest in dry statistics faded. But with influential works by Harold Hotelling and For most of its first half century, the ASA did Holbrook Working (confidence bands for regression little better than the others did. Before 1888, lines) in 1929 and Milton Friedman (rank tests for when it finally founded a journal, its publications two-way ANOVA) in 1937, it moved toward its pres- were few, sporadic, and dull. But while the early ent status as a premier journal of applicable statistical ASA was a sedentary organization, with a small theory and methodology. The 1958 paper by Edward local membership meeting quarterly for discus- Kaplan and Paul Meier on survival analysis remains sion, its members’ interests maintained some the most-cited work on statistics in the scientific lit- contact with the exciting new nation. Perhaps erature. The ASA has added other journals to its port- the first work of real import that can be closely folio, and they too have grown in excellence. associated with the ASA was the Ninth Census of After 175 years, the ASA still faces daunting the United States in 1870, for which ASA mem- challenges. Will we find a sustainable way forward ber Francis Amasa Walker served as superinten- in the digital age for publication? Will we find a dent. The decennial American censuses date from solution to the problem of holding large meetings 1790, but with the 1870 Census, their reports and maintaining a unifying focus despite the grow- were lifted to a new level of quality in analysis ing variation of topics under our umbrella? Can we and presentation of results. The latter included continue to provide value to members beyond our the great Statistical Atlas, published in 1874, core publications in a world that innovates at rap- which set a new standard for the graphical display idly increasing speed? Other societies face the same of data. Nearly two feet in height, it towers as a challenges; none has as yet found solutions. But in landmark in American statistics, both intellectu- view of the principled adaptability shown through ally and physically. our 175-year history, we can be optimistic of over- coming these and many similar challenges. n

february 2012 amstat news 31 columns

STATtr@k The Excitement of a Career in Statistics Gerald J. Hahn and Necip Doganaksoy

any years ago, we • The intellectual challenge for statistician in 2010 and 2009 decided on a career in of the work. Statisticians were #8 and #3, respectively). statistics. It was one of have been called data detec- In a 2009 Wall Street Journal theM two best decisions we ever tives and gatekeepers of the article, Sarah Needleman asserts made (second only to our choice scientific method. Problems that “A degree in statistics is one of spouses). We wake up, at least are rarely clear-cut, and of the top degrees to have in Editor’s Note: most days, eager to face the chal- often part of the challenge terms of getting good and secure These comments lenges of work—a key criterion is to define the real problem. jobs. On top of that, it offers are abridged from in selecting a career. There is ample opportunity many opportunities for a chal- What makes a career in sta- to be imaginative. lenging and rewarding career.” Gerald Hahn tistics so exciting? How has the Similar sentiments have been and Necip recognition of the field changed • The importance to our expressed in 2009 articles in the Doganaksoy’s re- during the course of our careers? employers and often to soci- The New York Times and The cent book, A Career And how does being a statistician ety of what we do. Washington Post. And Hal Varian, affect our day-to-day thinking chief economist at Google, said in in Statistics: Beyond • The opportunity to interact beyond the workplace? a widely quoted remark, “The sexy the Numbers. with a wide variety of inter- job in the next 10 years will be stat- esting people with different What Turns Us On istician—and I’m not kidding.” backgrounds. Some reasons why statistics con- With continuously increas- tinues (after a combined 75 years ing computing capabilities, our in the field) to excite us include An Upward Trend opportunities keep expanding. the following: We are gratified by the trend in And so do the areas of application the public recognition accorded in such diverse fields as automated • The diversity of problems in to statistics through the course tracking, bioinformatics, envi- which we become involved. of our careers. Quoting Lynne ronmental science, genetics, and Statistics deals with just Hare, “In years past, I used to get nanotechnology. about everything, from agri- nerd associations with statistics. culture to zoology. Or, quot- Now I get mostly awe. Wow, you Effect on Your Thinking ing a comment attributed can understand that stuff? And to John Tukey, “The best Statistics is more than a career. you make money doing it? ‘Yup,’ thing about being a statisti- It is a way of looking at situa- I say. ‘Not many people can do cian is that you get to play in tions that pervade our daily lives. it, the demand is high, and I can everyone’s backyard.” Most Statisticians think in terms of make a bundle.’” statisticians eventually focus probabilities and variation and CareerCast.com rated statis- on one or a few application search for the data that might tics as fourth best in its 2011 rat- areas, at least for a while, but support specific contentions and ings of 200 jobs. (The top three even within these, there is assess their validity. Thus, some jobs were in the related positions much variety. claim statisticians—perhaps of software engineer, mathema- like scientists, engineers, and tician, and actuary. The ratings lawyers—are more rational (and 32 amstat news february 2012 columns possibly less emotional)—at least in their reasoning and decision- Downsides to a Career in Statistics making—than many in other If it moves, it’s biology; if it stinks, it’s chemistry; if it doesn’t fields. In assessing the safety work, it’s physics; if it puts you to sleep, it’s statistics. of different forms of travel, for ~ Anonymous student example, statisticians might esti- mate the risk probabilities associ- There must be some downsides associated with being a ated with the various alternatives statistician. What are they? and tailor these to their specific situations, such as driving skill, Start with the name and the general perception. We available air travel options, and concur with 2011 ASA President Nancy Geller’s urging our weather conditions. profession to not shun the “s word” in her August 2011 With an appreciation of sta- President’s Corner column. But let’s face it—the public’s tistics, there comes a passion for image of a statistician is still not in the same league as that procuring as much relevant data as possible before making a deci- of an astronaut, biotechnologist, or physicist. Statisticians sion. Consider the following: are associated with statistics—and statistics is sometimes • In purchasing a car, we may regarded as boring, deceptive, or both. It will not be long avidly—some might say until you hear the worn quote that Mark Twain attributed obsessively—seek informa- to Disraeli: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, tion about repair frequency and statistics.” Or the story about the chap who became a to guide our selection. statistician because he did not have the personality to be • Statisticians typically do not an accountant. salt their meals before tasting Initial negative impressions are furthered by the often them. less-than-exciting introductory statistics course that many • If told that a particular com- have taken in college. Such courses may have focused on munity has more than 300 the mechanics of the calculations or the mathematical days of sunshine yearly, theory at the expense of stressing statistical concepts and a statistician might assert demonstrating their broad applicability. The ASA and many that this statement has little colleagues are working hard to help make introductory meaning without specifying courses more appealing and to place greater emphasis how a “day of sunshine” is on statistical concepts and statistical thinking. There has defined and measured. been important progress in recent years, including some down-to-earth introductory texts and the introduction in Training in statistics also gets the United States of the Advanced Placement course in one to look critically at studies reported in the media. Many statistics for high-school students. statisticians enjoy leisurely dis- Another concern is that, under some organizational cussions of the potential pitfalls structures, statisticians are viewed as outsiders. This can of these with friends and family. make them vulnerable to budget cuts and undermine their And only a statistician, when told that a bird in the hand is bet- effectiveness. It is one reason why we urge statisticians to ter than two in the bush, might strive to become proactive participants and team members respond with, “That depends in the projects on which they are involved. upon the probability that you can Because the value of statistics is still not universally capture both birds and your risk function. (What, for example, if recognized, many statisticians—especially early in their the proverbial birds are actually careers—spend much time marketing themselves, often your pair of shoes?)” in a “soft sell” mode. This can be unappealing to those who A career in statistics is not prefer to focus on their technical work. for all. But for the right person, Yes, there are downsides associated with a career in it can bring great opportunities, excitement, and rewards. n statistics. But, in our view, they are far outweighed by the plusses for the right person.

february 2012 amstat news 33 people news

In November of 2011, the Joan F. Hilton American Association for the University of California at San Advancement of Science council Francisco elected 539 members as Fellows. These individuals were recog- André I. Khuri nized for their contributions to University of Florida science and technology at the Fellows forum during the AAAS annual meeting in Vancouver, Sastry G. Pantula Read about DeMets your colleagues Canada. The new Fellows National Science Foundation and friends in received a certificate and blue and gold rosette as a symbol of their Xiaotong Shen medical informatics, is a Fellow the news. Go distinguished accomplishments. University of Minnesota and long-time member of the to www.amstat. The nine ASA members American Statistical Association. elected as Fellows to the AAAS org and click on George W. Williams Distinguished speakers will Section on Statistics include “Statisticians in Amgen, Inc. include Robert Califf, Jonas the following: the News.” Ellenberg, Susan Ellenberg, George Casella The entire list can be Thomas Fleming, Lawrence University of Florida viewed at www.aaas.org/news/ Friedman, Curt Furberg, releases/2011/1206fellows.shtml. n Charles Hennekens, Gordon Lan, Marc Pfeffer, Frank Dipak K. Dey A conference to celebrate the University of Connecticut Rockhold, Anastasios Tsiatis, achievements of David L. George Williams, Janet Wittes, DeMets will take place at and Marvin Zelen. Robert E. Fay the University of Wisconsin- Further updates and informa- Westat Madison from May 31 to June tion about the conference can be 1. DeMets, the Max Halperin found at www.biostat.wisc.edu/ Wing Kam Fung Professor of Biostatistics and DLD_conf.htm. n University of Hong Kong chair emeritus of the department of biostatistics and Sudipto Banerjee, from the University of Minnesota, was awarded the 2011 Mortimer Spiegelman Award from the American Public Health Association on November 1, 2011, during the association’s Applied Probability Workshop on Tap for June meeting in Washington, DC. The award, given annu- The International Workshop in Applied Probability will be held in Jerusalem, ally since 1970, is presented to Israel, from June 11–14. It is intended for scientists in applied probability and an outstanding public health stochastic modeling. Expected to attend are scientists with diverse backgrounds statistician under the age of in mathematics, statistics, statistical physics, biophysics, financial engineering, 40. Banerjee was recognized and econophysics. for contributions to spatial and Plenary speakers for the workshop include Soren Asmussen, Aarhus University; environmental statistics. The Onno Boxma, Eindhoven University; Peter W. Glynn, Stanford University; Edward committee also acknowledged Kaplan, Yale University; Way Kuo, City University of Hong-Kong; Thomas Mikosch, his leadership and strong success University of Copenhagen; Pascal Moyal, Technical University of Compiegne; and in external funding, PhD super- Adolfo Quiroz , University of Los Andes. vision, short course instruction, Participants are encouraged to submit their contributions to the Journal of software development, and jour- Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability. Visit the workshop website at www. nal editing and refereeing. n reg.co.il/iwap for more information.

34 amstat news february 2012 awards and deadlines

Myrto Lefkopoulou Deadlines and Contact Information for ASA National Distinguished Lecture Awards, Special Lectureships, and COPSS Awards Each year, the Myrto Lefkopoulou lectureship is awarded to a promising www.amstat.org/awards biostatistical scientist who has made March 2, 2012 contributions to either collabora- Ji Zhang [email protected] tive or methodologic research in the ASA Fellows applications of statistical methods to biology or medicine and/or excel- March 2, 2012 lence in the teaching of biostatistics. Jessica L. Thompson, [email protected] Ordinarily, the lectureship is given ASA SPAIG Award to an individual within 15 years of March 9, 2012 receiving an earned doctorate. In the Phil Ramsey [email protected] case of nominees without an earned ASA Statistics in Chemistry doctorate, the committee makes a Award relative adjustment of time in keep- March 15, 2012 ing with the spirit of the selection Karl E. Peace Award for process. The lecture targets a general Outstanding Statistical Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] scientific audience and is the first Contributions for the Bet- department colloquium of each aca- terment of Society demic year. The lectureship includes travel to Boston, a reception follow- March 15, 2012 ing the lecture, and an honorarium ASA W. J. Dixon Award for Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] of $1,000. Excellence in Statistical Questions: Michael R. Chernick [email protected] Nominations for next year’s Consulting lectureship are being solicited and should be sent to the Myrto March 15, 2012 Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] Lefkopoulou Lecture Committee, ASA Founders Award Questions: Nancy L. Geller, [email protected] Department of Biostatistics, March 15, 2012 Harvard School of Public Health, Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] ASA W. J. Youden Award in 655 Huntington Ave., Building II, Questions: Michael J. Messner, [email protected] Interlaboratory Testing 4th floor, Boston, MA 02115 or to Vickie S. Beaulieu at vbeaulie@hsph. March 15, 2012 Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] harvard.edu. Nominations should ASA Waller Education Questions: June Morita, [email protected] include a letter of nomination and a Award CV. The deadline for submission is April 2, 2012 March 31. Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] ASA Gertrude M. Cox The annual Myrto Lefkopoulou Questions: Eleanor Feingold, [email protected] Distinguished Lecture was initi- Scholarship ated in 1993 in memory of Myrto April 2, 2012 Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] Lefkopoulou, a former faculty mem- ASA Outstanding Statistical Questions: Petrutza C. Caragea, [email protected] ber and student in the department Application Award of biostatistics. Lefkopoulou died of cancer in 1992 at the age of 34. April 2, 2012 Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] Previous lecturers include Jeffrey ASA Edward C. Bryant Questions: Tapabrata Maiti, [email protected] Morris, David Dunson, Xihong Scholarship Lin, Heping Zhang, Francesca Dominici, Jianqing Fan, Mark van April 2, 2012 Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] der Laan, Geert Molenberghs, Marie ASA Excellence in Statistical Questions: Morteza Marzjarani, [email protected] Davidian, Danyu Lin, Bradley Reporting Award Carlin, Steven Goodman, Giovanni April 2, 2012 Parmigiani, Kathryn Roeder, Ronald Nominations: Pam Craven, [email protected] ASA Samuel S. Wilks Brookmeyer, Trevor Hastie, Hans- Questions: Paul P. Biemer, [email protected] Georg Mueller, and Louise Ryan. n Memorial Medal

february 2012 amstat news 35 sectioncalendar • chapter of events • committee news

Contributed posters will be accepted for the poster session on Tuesday over the lunch hour, with sectionnews Paul Berg of Eli Lilly serving as chair. Posters will be considered on any biopharmaceutical statistical Biometrics topic. Abstracts must be submitted by April 20. The Biometrics Section begins 2012 with an intro- Students are especially encouraged to participate duction to this year’s executive committee members. in the MBSW activities. To help financially, lim- The section also needs volunteers to chair sessions at ited scholarships are available to students to offset this year’s JSM in San Diego, California. If you are travel costs, with preference given to students who interested, contact the section’s 2012 program chair, present posters. The best student poster, as judged Timothy Johnson, at [email protected]. by a committee including past workshop chairs, Applications are being accepted for funding to will receive the Charles Sampson Award, named in support the development of innovative outreach proj- honor of a founder and guiding force behind this ects focused on enhancing awareness of biostatistics series of workshops. Students or faculty sponsors among quantitatively talented students in the United interested in applying for scholarships should access States. The section is particularly interested in proj- the website at www.mbswonline.com or contact Berg ects that will encourage students to pursue advanced at [email protected]. training in biostatistics. Total funding for each project The cost of the workshop is $195 and includes is expected to be $3,000. All investigators are encour- most meals. Inexpensive accommodations are avail- To view aged to apply by submitting a three-page applica- able in Muncie. section news in tion by February 29. Allowed expenditures include Questions not answered on the website can be supplies, domestic travel when necessary to carry addressed to the publicity chair, Melvin Munsaka, its entirety, visit at [email protected]; the workshop http://magazine. out the project, professional expertise (e.g., instructional designer or webmaster), and cost of comput- chair, Douglas Faries, at [email protected]; amstat.org. er time. Expenditures that are not allowed include or the local arrangements chairs, Mir Masoom Ali secretarial/administrative personnel, tuition, for- at [email protected] and Dale Umbach at dumbach@ eign travel, and honoraria and travel expenses for bsu.edu. visiting lecturers to the investigator’s home insti- For detailed information about the section’s tution. A project period with a start date no ear- activities, visit the section news department online lier than March 15 and an end date no later than at http://magazine.amsta.org/?cat=17. December 31 also should be specified. Health Policy Statistics Applications should be submitted electronically to the Strategic Initiatives Subcommittee chair, Roslyn More than 210 statisticians, methodologists, and Stone, at [email protected]. health policy experts gathered from October 5–7, For details about the section’s activities, visit the 2011 at The Ritz Carlton in Cleveland, Ohio, section news department online at http://magazine. for the ninth International Conference on Health amsta.org/?cat=17. Policy Statistics (ICHPS). The meeting’s theme, “Advancing Methods to Biopharmaceutical Improve Health Care,” reflected the growing impor- The Biopharmaceutical Section is cosponsor- tance of research methods in facilitating informed ing, along with Ball State University, the Midwest discussions regarding health reform and other efforts Biopharmaceutical Statistics Workshop (MBSW) to improve health care in the United States. The from May 21–23 at the Alumni Center of Ball State newly minted Patient-Centered Outcomes Research University in Muncie, Indiana. Institute’s calls for research that reflects the effect of The 2012 workshop features three, half-day many of the methods showcased at ICHPS 2011. short courses: Comparative Effectiveness Using Major presentations covered a broad range of Observational Research by Thomas Love, High- topics, including longitudinal data; spatial data; Dimensional Data and Nonnegative Matrix causal inference and treatment heterogeneity; quasi- Factorization by Paul Fogel, and Prevention and experimental studies and novel use of randomiza- Treatment of Missing Data by Craig Mallinckrodt. tion; and Bayesian analysis including prior specifi- This year’s workshop theme is “Strategic Use of cation, hierarchical modeling, and random effects. Health Services and Statistical Thinking.” The Monday afternoon plenary A special issue of the journal Outcomes Research Methodology session speakers are Lee Wilkinson, who will give a , dedicated to papers talk titled “Expert Systems and Statistical Graphics,” from ICHPS 2011, is to be published in June. www.amstat. and Lisa LaVange, who will present “Select Regulatory Details of all sessions can be found at org/meetings/ichps/2011. Statistical Challenges.”

36 amstat news february 2012 section • chapter • committee news

The tenth ICHPS is planned for October of A late-breaking session must cover one or more 2013 in Seattle, Washington, and will be co-chaired technical, scientific, or policy-related topics that by Andrew Zhou of the University of Washington have arisen in the one-year period prior to the JSM and Don Hedeker of the University of Illinois at in which the session is proposed to appear. Proposals Chicago. For more information, contact Zhou at for late-breaking sessions for JSM 2012 should be [email protected] or Hedeker at hedeker@ submitted by April 13. They can go directly to the uic.edu. JSM program chair, Steve MacEachern, at snm@ For details about the 2011 meeting and to see stat.osu.edu or Larsen at [email protected]. photos, visit http://magazine.amstat.org/blog/category/ Meanwhile, Steven Pedlow and Ting Yan, co- To list your sec- membernews/amstatsections/health-policy-statistics. editors of the SRMS newsletter share the highlights tion's news in of the January issue. Some of the highlights include Quality and Productivity a call for volunteers from outgoing chair, Stephen Amstat News, send an email to March 1 is the deadline to apply for the Quality Cohen; how to participate in the SRMS mentoring and Productivity Section’s Mary G. and Joseph program and the fourth International Conference Managing Natrella Scholarship. The scholarship will support on Establishment Surveys (ICES-IV, June 2012) Editor Megan participation of two students in the Quality and from incoming section chair, John Czajka; instruc- Murphy at Productivity Research Conference (QPRC) in Long tions for accessing the entire SRMS Amstat News megan@amstat. Beach, California, June 5–7. Application is open to history from publications officer John Finamore; org with the full-time students pursuing a master’s or doctoral details on the effect of the new ASA Section on details. degree at an accredited college or university who Statistics in Imaging from Council of Sections rep- have a demonstrated interest in the application of resentatives Rachel Harter and Tony An; the list of statistics to quality and productivity. Further infor- winners of the SRMS JSM 2011 poster award; and mation about the scholarship can be found at www. the history of the Waksberg Award—the winners amstat-online.org/sections/qp/Natrella_Scholarship.html. and a call for nominations. Limited QPRC student scholarships, which The January 2012 newsletter is available at www. include complimentary conference registration, are amstat.org/sections/srms/newsJan12.pdf. available. Interested students should apply imme- For details, visit http://magazine.amstat.org/?cat=17. diately by sending their résumé and one letter of recommendation from a current statistics professor to the conference chair, Daniel R. Jeske, at daniel. [email protected]. For information about additional student travel support, visit www.qprc2012.com. The deadline for abstract submission is March chapternews 31. Follow the submission instructions posted on the Call-for-Papers link at the conference website, Cleveland www.qprc2012.com. For detailed information, The Cleveland Chapter of the ASA is offering its visit the section news department online at http:// 26th spring conference/short course on May 11. magazine.amstat.org/?cat=17. Heping Zhang, a Fellow of the ASA and Institute for Mathematical Statistics, will present “Recursive Statistics and the Environment Partitioning and Applications.” The day-long pre- The Statistics and the Environment Section of sentation will cover chapters 1–4, 6, 8, and 9 of his the ASA is pleased to announce a short course, book with the same name. Topics will include the Introduction to Analysis of Extremes: Univariate basics of tree construction, logistic regression and and Multivariate Cases, will take place at this year’s trees for a binary response, random forests, and Joint Statistical Meetings in San Diego, California, analysis of censored data. The course will benefit from July 28 to August 2. The presenter is Dan those who want to use trees and adaptive splines to Cooley of Colorado State University, Fort Collins. analyze high-dimensional and complex data, as well For information about this year’s Joint Statistical as students and researchers who wish to develop Meetings, visit the meetings website at www.amstat. related classification and regression methods and org/meetings/jsm/2012. software. The registration form and more information are available at www.bio.ri.ccf.org/ASA/cspring. Survey Research Methods html (case sensitive). Mike Larsen, SRMS program chair, is looking for ideas to help develop a proposal for a late- breaking invited session at this year’s JSM in San Diego, California.

february 2012 amstat news 37 calendar of events

The following events are the latest additions to 4400 Massachusetts Ave. For details, visit www.samsi.info/ workshop/interdisciplinary-work- the ASA’s online calendar of events. Announce- NW, Economics, Kreeger 104, shop-undergraduate-students-and- ments are accepted from education and not-for- Washington, DC 20016; (202) 885- faculty-may-14-18-2012 or contact profit organizations only. To view the complete list 3770; [email protected]. Karem Jackson, 19 T.W. Alexander of statistics meetings and workshops, visit www. Drive, RTP, NC 27709; (919) 685- amstat.org/dateline. April 9324; [email protected]. * Indicates events sponsored by the ASA or one of *2–5—SIAM Conference on its sections, chapters, or committees Uncertainty Quantification >>14–18—eCOTS: Electronic (UQ12), Raleigh, North Carolina Conference on Teaching Statistics, Online ›› Indicates events posted since the previous issue For more information, visit www. For more information, visit www. siam.org/meetings/uq12 or contact causeweb.org/ecots or con- Kirsten Wilden, 3600 Market St., tact Jean Scott, 1958 Neil Ave., 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104; 2012 Columbus, OH 43210; (614) 688- (215) 382-9800; [email protected]. March 5913; [email protected]. 10–12—Fifth International >>14–18—Microeconometrics Conference MAF 2012 - with Focus on Panel Data and 2–3—Conference of Texas Mathematical and Statistical Discrete Choice: Theory and Statisticians, Beaumont, Texas Methods for Actuarial Sciences Practice, Washington, DC For more information, visit www. and Finance, Venice, Italy For more information, visit www. math.lamar.edu/activities/ For details, visit maf2012.unive.it or american.edu/cas/economics/ COTS or contact Kumer contact Marcella Niglio, Via Ponte info-metrics/econometrics.cfm or Das, Associate Professor, Don Melillo, Fisciano, International contact Amos Golan, American Department of Mathematics, 84084, Italy. Beaumont, TX 77710; (409) 880- University, 4400 Massachusetts 7947; [email protected]. Ave. NW, Kreeger 104, Washington, 29–5/1—24th Annual Kansas DC 20016; (202) 885-3770; State University Conference on [email protected]. 14–16—IAENG International Applied Statistics in Agriculture, Conference on Data Mining and Manhattan, Kansas Applications 2012, Hong Kong, For more information, visit www. 15–18—WCBF - 11th Annual China k-state.edu/stats/news/conference. Lean Six Sigma and Process For details, visit www.iaeng.org/ html or contact John Boyer, Kansas Improvement in Healthcare Summit 2012, New Orleans, IMECS2012/ICDMA2012.html or con- State University, Department Louisiana tact IAENG Secretariat, Unit 1, 1/F, of Statistics, 101 Dickens Hall, For more information, visit www. 37-39 Hung To Road, Hong Kong, Manhattan, KS 66506; (785) 532- wcbf.com or contact Selina Mirpuri, International HK, Hong Kong; (852) 0518; [email protected]. 3169-3427; [email protected]. WCBF Ltd. First Floor, Jubliee House, Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middlesex, London, International 26–27—Signal Processing May and Inference for the Physical HA7 4RY, UK; +1 312 466 5774; Sciences, London, United [email protected]. Kingdom 11—Conference on New Statistical Methods for Next- For details, visit http://royalsociety. 17–19—Methods and Generation Sequencing Data Models for Latent Variables org/events/signal-processing or Analysis, Ames, Iowa contact Emily Roberts, 6-9 Carlton (MMLV2012), Naples, Italy For more information, visit www. For details, visit www2.stat. House Terrace, London, International stat.iastate.edu/Conference2012 unibo.it/MMLV/default.asp or SW1Y 5AG, UK; Emily.Roberts@ or contact Dan Nettleton, 2115 contact Stefania Capecchi, c/o royalsociety.org. Snedecor Hall, Department of Department of Statistics, Via Statistics, Ames, IA 50011-1210; Rodino’ 22, Naples, International 30–31—Information and (515) 294-7754; [email protected]. Econometrics of Networks, I-80138, Italy; +390812537465; Washington, DC [email protected]. 14–18—SAMSI Interdisciplinary For details, visit www.american. Workshop for Undergraduate edu/cas/economics/info-metrics/ Students and Faculty, Research workshop/workshop-2012-spring. Triangle Park, North Carolina cfm or contact Amos Golan,

38 amstat news february 2012 calendar of events

>>*21–23—Thirty-Fifth Annual *4–7—Quality and Productivity 17–21—ISBIS 2012, Bangkok, Midwest Biopharmaceutical Research Conference (QPRC), Thailand Statistics Workshop (MBSW), Long Beach, California For more information, visit www. Muncie, Indiana For details, visit www.qprc2012. isbis2012-thailand.org or contact For details, visit www.mbswonline. com or contact Daniel Jeske, David Banks, Department of com or contact Melvin Munsaka, Room 2605, STAT-COMP Building, Statistical Science, Box 90251, One Takeda Parkway, Deerfield, 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA Duke University, Durham, NC IL 60015; (224) 554-2846, melvin. 92521; (951) 827-3014; daniel. 27708; (919) 684-3743; banks@stat. [email protected]. [email protected]. duke.edu.

>>29–6/2—Data Mining 6–9—MedicReS World Congress 18–29—Joint 2012 MBI- and Information: Theory and on Good Medical Research, NIMBioS-CAMBAM Summer Practice, Washington, DC Vienna, Austria Graduate Workshop Stochastics For more information, visit www. For more information, visit www. Applied to Biological Systems, american.edu/cas/economics/ ic2012.medicres.org or con- Columbus, Ohio info-metrics/econometrics.cfm or tact Burcin Akicier, Armada Is For more information, visit www. contact Amos Golan, American Merkezi Kat 12 Sogutozu, Ankara, mbi.osu.edu/eduprograms/ University, 4400 Massachusetts International 06100, Turkey; graduate2012.html or contact Ave., NW, Kreeger 104, +905072072777; [email protected]. Rebecca Martin, 1735 Neil Ave., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 885- Columbus, OH 43210; (614) 688- 3770; [email protected]. >>14–15—Symposium on 3519; [email protected]. Modeling Immune Responses 29–8/17—2012 MBI from Complex Data, Rochester, 20–24—8th International Undergraduate Summer New York Symposium on Statistics, West Research Program, Columbus, For details, visit cbim.urmc.rochester. Lafayette, Indiana Ohio edu/education/2012-symposium For more information, visit www. For more information, visit www. or contact Jeanne Holden- stat.purdue.edu or contact Diane mbi.osu.edu/eduprograms/ Wiltse, Dept. of Biostatistics and Martin, 250 N. University Ave., West undergrad2012.html or contact Computational Biology, University Lafayette, IN 47907; (765) 494- Rebecca Martin, 1735 Neil Ave., of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., 3141; [email protected]. Columbus, OH 43210; (614) 688- Box 630, Rochester, NY 14618; 3519; [email protected]. (585) 275-0386; jeanne_wiltse@ urmc.rochester.edu. >>31–6/1—David L. DeMets Symposium, Madison, Wisconsin For details, visit www.biostat.wisc. edu/DLD_conf.htm or contact Sue International Conference to Focus on Statistics and Parman, 600 Highland Ave., Box Engineering 4675, Madison, WI 53792-4675; The second International Conference on the Interface Between Statistics (608) 263-1706; parman@biostat. and Engineering (ICISE) will take place at National Cheng Kung University wisc.edu. in Tainan, Taiwan, from June 23–25. This international conference, bringing together statisticians and engineers, will focus on applied statistics, June data mining and machining learning, statistical data analysis integrated with engineering models, quality and reliability engineering, optimal decisionmaking, optimal manufacturing and service enterprise systems, and >>1–22—Financial Time Series Analysis: High-Dimensionality, statistical controls in semiconductor industry. Nonstationarity, and the Featured keynote speakers include Way Kuo, president and distinguished Financial Crisis, Singapore professor of City University of Hong Kong; Vijay Nair, Donald A. Darling For more information, visit www2. Professor in the department of statistics at the University of Michigan; ims.nus.edu.sg/Programs/012hidim/ index.php or contact Claire Tan, 3 and Kazuyuki Suzuki, professor in the graduate school of informatics and Prince George’s Park, Singapore, engineering at the University of Electro-Communications. International 118402, Singapore; For details, visit http://conf.ncku.edu.tw/icise/index.php. 65161892; [email protected].

february 2012 amstat news 39 calendar of events

24–27—32nd Annual Statistics, Penn State University, Secretariat, Unit 1, 1/F, 37-39 Hung International Symposium University Park, PA 16802-2111; To Road, Hong Kong, International on Forecasting, Boston, (814) 865-1555; [email protected]. HK, Hong Kong; (852) 3169-3427; Massachusetts [email protected]. For details, visit http://forecasters. >>3–5—Leeds Annual org/isf/index.html or contact Pam To view Statistical Research (LASR) 4–6—Statistical Inference in Stroud, 53 Tesla Ave., Medford, MA Workshop, Leeds, United Complex/High-Dimensional the entire list 02155; (781) 234-4077; Kingdom Problems, Vienna, Austria of statistics [email protected]. For more information, visit www1. For details, visit www.univie.ac.at/ meetings and maths.leeds.ac.uk/statistics/ inference2012 or contact Hannes workshops, visit 25–29—SAMSI Summer workshop/lasr2012 or contact Kanti Leeb, Department of Statistics, www.amstat. Program: Nonlocal Continuum Mardia, University of Leeds, School Universitaetsstr. 5/3, Vienna, Models for Diffusion, of Mathematics, Woodhouse Lane, org/dateline. International 1010, Austria; +43 1 Mechanics, and Other Leeds, International LS2 9JT, UK; 4277 38620; hannes.leeb@univie. Applications, Research Triangle [email protected]. ac.at. Park, North Carolina For more information, visit www. 3–6—International Statistical samsi.info/workshop/nonlocal- >>9–12—Australian Statistical Ecology Conference (ISEC) 2012, continuum-models-diffusion- Conference 2012, Adelaide, Oslo, Norway mechanics-and-other-applications Australia For more information, visit www. or contact Karem Jackson, 19 T.W. For more information, visit www. cees.uio.no/news/2010/isec2012. Alexander Drive, RTP, NC 27709; sapmea.asn.au/conventions/asc2012 html or contact Carl Schwarz, (919) 685-9324; [email protected]. or contact Paul Sutcliffe, P.O. Box Statistics and Actuarial Science, 213, Canberra, International 2616, Burnaby, British Columbia, Australia; 82988179; sutters@ V5A1S6, Canada; (778) 782-3376; bigpond.net.au. July [email protected]. 9–14—8th World Congress 1–4—IMS Asia Pacific Rim 4–6—World Congress on in Probability and Statistics, Meetings, Tsukuba, Japan Engineering 2012, London, Istanbul, Turkey For more information, visit http:// United Kingdom For details, visit www.worldcong ims-aprm2012.org/index.html or For details, visit www.iaeng. 2012.org or contact Aycil contact Runze Li, Department of org/WCE2012 or contact IAENG Yesilirmak, Ayazmaderesi Cad. Karadut Sok. No: 7, Dikilitas, Istanbul, International 34349, Turkey; +90 212 381 46 00; [email protected]. Plans for IWSM&A Under Way Serguei Pergamenchtchikov and Alexander Tartakovsky 16–18—International Symposium in Statistics (ISS) The International Workshop on Sequential Methods and Their Applications 2012 on Longitudinal Data (IWSM&A) will take place from June 4–8 in University of Rouen, France. The Analysis Subject to Outliers, Measurement Errors, and/ goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers and practitioners from or Missing Values, St. John’s, varied areas within sequential methodologies. Newfoundland The IWSM&A will focus on all aspects of sequential methodologies, including For more information, visit www. iss-2012-stjohns.ca or contact optimal stopping, hypothesis testing, estimation, changepoint detection, Brajendra Sutradhar, Elizabeth multiple comparisons, selection and ranking, and surveillance. Areas of Avenue, St. John’s, Newfoundland application will cover mathematical finance, quality control, reliability, A1C5S7, Canada; (709) 864-8731; clinical trials, and signal and image processing. This workshop will include [email protected]. plenary presentations, as well as invited lectures delivered by distinguished colleagues. 16–20—MBI BioSciences Problem-Solving Workshop Visit www.univ-rouen.fr/LMRS/RMR12 to learn more about the workshop (PSW@MBI), Columbus, Ohio activities and speakers. For more information, visit www. mbi.osu.edu/2012/stgrdescription. html or contact Rebecca Martin,

40 amstat news february 2012 calendar of events

1735 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 16–24—Industrial Math/ Design, Boston, Massachusetts 43210; (614) 688-3519; rebecca@ Stat Modeling Workshop for For details, visit www.issat mbi.osu.edu. Graduate Students, Raleigh, conferences.org or contact North Carolina Conference Secretary, P.O. Box 16–20—27th International For more information, visit www. 1504, Piscataway, NJ 08855; rqd@ Workshop on Statistical samsi.info/workshop/2012- issatconferences.org. Modeling, Prague, Czech industrial-mathstat-modeling- workshop-graduate-students- Republic *28–8/2—2012 Joint Statistical july-16-24-2012 or contact Karem For more information, visit http:// Meetings, San Diego, California Jackson, 19 T.W. Alexander Drive, iwsm2012.karlin.mff.cuni.cz or con- For more information, visit www. tact Arnost Komarek, Sokolovska RTP, NC 27709; (919) 685-9324; amstat.org/meetings/jsm/2012/ 83, Praha 8, International 18200, [email protected]. index.cfm or contact ASA Czech Republic; 00420221913282; Meetings, 732 N. Washington St., [email protected]. 23–26—Joint Meeting of y-BIS Alexandria, VA 22314; (888) 231- and jSPE, Lisbon, Portugal 3473; [email protected]. 16–20—LinStat 2012 For details, visit http://ybis-jspe. Conference and the 21st com or contact Paulo Rodrigues, International Workshop on Department of Mathematics, August Matrices and Statistics, IWMS Faculty of Sciences and 2012, Bedlewo, Poland Technology of UNL, Caparica, For details, visit http://linstat2012. International 2829-516, Portugal; 5–8—IEEE Statistical Signal au.poznan.pl/index.html or con- 00351936110338; paulocanas@ Processing Workshop 2012, Ann tact Katarzyna Filipiak, Wojska gmail.com. Arbor, Michigan Polskiego 28, Poznan, Non US/CAN For more information, visit www. Province 60637, Poland; linstat@ 26–28—18th ISSAT ssp2012.org or contact Clayton up.poznan.pl. International Conference Scott, 1301 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, on Reliability and Quality in MI 48109; [email protected]. n

february 2012 amstat news 41

professional opportunities

Alabama n The University of South Alabama Professional Opportunity listings may not exceed 65 words, plus equal oppor- Department of Mathematics and Statistics tunity information. The deadline for their receipt is the 20th of the month two invites applications for a tenure-track fac- months prior to when the ad is to be published (e.g., May 20 for the July issue). ulty position starting August 15, 2012. Ads will be published in the next available issue following receipt. Applicants should possess an earned doc- Listings are shown alphabetically by state, followed by international listings. toral degree in statistics, biostatistics, or a Vacancy listings may include the institutional name and address or be identi- related field, but ABDs near completion of fied by number, as desired. degree will be considered. Details are avail- Professional Opportunities vacancies also will be published on the ASA’s able at www.southalabama.edu/mathstat. website (www.amstat.org). Vacancy listings will appear on the website for the Review of applications will begin on entire calendar month. Ads may not be placed for publication in the magazine March 1, 2012, and continue until the only; all ads will be published both electronically and in print. position is filled. The University of South Rates: $320 for nonprofit organizations (with proof of nonprofit status), Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/Equal $475 for all others. Member discounts are not given. For display and online Access Employer. advertising rates, go to www.amstat.org/ads. Colorado Listings will be invoiced following publication. All payments should be made to the American Statistical Association. All material should be sent n Assistant professor—biostatis- to Amstat News, 732 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314- tics. University of Colorado Denver, 1943; fax (703) 684-2036; email [email protected]. Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora), Employers are expected to acknowledge all responses resulting from pub- Colorado School of Public Health (http:// lication of their ads. Personnel advertising is accepted with the understanding publichealth.ucdenver.edu), Colorado that the advertiser does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of race, Biostatistics Consortium (http://cbc. sex, religion, age, color, national origin, handicap, or sexual orientation. ucdenver.edu). Collaborate with The Children's Hospital, the Linda Crnic Also, look for job ads on the ASA website at www.amstat.org/jobweb. Institute for Down Syndrome, and other medical researchers, particularly in

february 2012 amstat news 43 genetics. Develop original methods. Teach introductory workshops. Provide general consulting in medical data collection and analysis.“Research track,” not tenure- eligible. Apply online www. jobsatcu.edu Posting 815860. Massachusetts n MS Biostatistician. Collaborate with medical and basic science researchers in ASSOCIATE OR FULL PROFESSOR design, analysis, and publication of cancer DIRECTOR OF BIOSTATISTICS AND clinical trials and translational research. INFORMATICS SHARED RESOURCE Requirements: strong background in statistical principles, data analysis, com- The University of Kansas Medical Center is seeking an Associate Profes- puting (especially SAS and R), commu- sor within the Department of Biostatistics. This recruitment is joint with the nication skills, and 1–2 years of experi- University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) and will be expected to direct the ence. Send CV, names of three references biostatistics and informatics shared resource (BISR) that resides within the de- to [email protected], or partment and supports the cancer center. This position will play a crucial role MS Biostatistician Job Search, CLSB in collaborating with research faculty within KUCC, the School of Medicine 11007, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the University. The priority will be to focus on supporting the BISR but will 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215. also have teaching and other duties within the department. This position is Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an AA/ expected to engage in collaborative research with other faculty from pro- EOE. grams and departments within the School and University. Expertise within the department includes linear, nonlinear, and longitudinal modeling, clinical trial n Tufts Clinical and Translational Science and experimental design, survival analysis, categorical data analysis, and Institute (Tufts CTSI) is recruiting for a Bayesian methodology. senior statistician to direct the Tufts CTSI Research Design Center (RDC), located Why should you take advantage of this promising in downtown Boston. Responsibilities opportunity? include providing leadership for the RDC — As an institution, the School of Medicine ranked 60th among all staff, research consulting, mentoring, and medical schools in the country. Among public medical schools, we collaborating with researchers. Candidates ranked 32nd. should have a PhD degree, an under- — KU is committed to recruiting new physician scientists and fostering standing of biostatistics and study design, an interdisciplinary structure with the basic science programs with the and be eligible for associate or full profes- goal of building integrated research programs that will generate new sor appointment. It is the policy of Tufts knowledge about pathogenesis and treatment of human diseases and Medical Center, consistent with federal ultimately translating these fi ndings into pioneering initiatives to study and state law, to provide equal opportu- and treat disease. nity to all applicants for employment and — Extremely stable work environment; strong state resources and sup- all employees with respect to the adminis- port tration of personnel policies and practices, fi v e including recruitment, hiring, training, — University of Kansas ranked among large university in the top of “2008 Best Colleges to Work For” promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, disciplinary action, layoff, ter- Required Qualifi cations: Ph.D. in Statistics or Biostatistics or related mination and other terms and conditions fi eld. Collaborative research experience in oncology. At least 5 years of employment, without regard to an collaborative research experience in supporting grant applications as a co- individual’s actual or perceived race, color, investigator. religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, Preferred Qualifi cations: Experience at an NCI-designated cancer national origin, age, disability, veteran sta- center. Experience at running core or shared resource facilities. Statistical tus, marital status, genetic traits and any methodological skill set that is complementary to the current department other classification protected by law; and expertise. ensure that all employment decisions are based on valid job requirements. To view the complete position description and apply on-line go to http:// New Hampshire jobs.kumc.edu and search for position M0203380. The Department of Biostatistics supports the mission of the University of Kansas Medical Center n Dartmouth College. Statistical analyst: “To create a positive environment for instruction, research and service.” Assist clinical researchers and statistics faculty in clinical research center. Statistical The University of Kansas Medical Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affi rmative consulting/computing/data management/ Action Employer. methodologic research; graduate degree

44 amstat news february 2012 biostatistics/statistics required. SAS programming skill a requirement. SPLUS/ NORC conducts high quality social science STATA preferred. Full Dartmouth ben- research in the public interest from its head- efits. Please apply online athttp://jobs. quarters at the University of Chicago and dartmouth.edu, position #1000994. from its offices in Chicago, IL, Washington, Dartmouth College is an equal opportu- DC, Bethesda, MD, and Berkeley, CA. nity/affirmative action employer and has a We conduct research in economics, demo- strong commitment to diversity. Women, graphics, education and child development, minorities, persons with disabilities, and health, substance abuse, mental health, veterans are encouraged to apply. justice, and survey quality both in the U.S. and internationally. We offer full-service New York survey design and operations as well as n Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer strengths in analysis, information technol- Center has an opening for a master's-level ogy, and technical assistance. NORC supports the research needs of government in biostatistician. Collaborative projects the U.S. and abroad, international donor involve the design/analysis of clinical, agencies, foundations, academic research- laboratory, and cancer genomic research ers, and private organizations. with emphasis on high-throughput stud- NORC is actively seeking statisticians, ies (array CGH, next-generation sequenc- survey methodologists, statistical program- ing, and gene expression). Qualifications mers, data managers, survey directors, and include a master's degree in biostatistics social scientists with advanced training or or statistics, excellent programming skills experience in survey research or survey in R/SAS, and good verbal and written operations. New staff will be based in our communication skills. Please email cover Chicago, IL or Washington, DC offices. To learn more about NORC and to apply for letter and CV to EPIBIOSTATS@mskcc. employment, visit our website at: org. MSKCC is an equal opportunity and http://www.norc.org/careers affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Pennsylvania n The statistics department at Temple University invites applications for a tenure-track, associate professor position. Candidates in any area of statistics must have a PhD in statistics, publications in top-tier journals, teaching excellence, and strong theory/application background. Apply electronically to Sanat Sarkar, [email protected], with cover letter, CV, teaching evidence, and three recommendation letters. For more information, visit www.fox.temple.edu/ dept/statistics. Temple University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

n Possible tenure-track, lecturer, visiting positions. Collegial environment empha- sizing disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research and teaching. All areas of statistics welcome. Joint appointments possible with other units in the Pittsburgh area. See www.stat.cmu.edu (email: [email protected]). Send CV, research papers, relevant transcripts, and three recommendation letters to Faculty Search Committee, Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

february 2012 amstat news 45 Application screening begins immediately, continues until positions closed. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE. South Carolina n Medical University of South Carolina Advanced Level Psychometrician/ Statistician. Healthcare Simulation South Carolina (HCSSC) is seeking a psychometrician/statistician to direct the educational research agenda for the state-wide network of integrated medical simulation centers. Interested applicants in this novel opportunity for healthcare educational research across the State of South Carolina should apply at www.jobs. musc.edu with a CV and three references. Please reference requisition identification number 047659. AA/EOE. Texas n The department of mathematics and statistics at Texas Tech University seeks applicants for two open-rank positions in statistics. For more information and

Director of the Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center DARTMOUTH COLLEGE Department of Biostatistics e Department of Biostatistics at e University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking ap- Statistical Analyst: Assist clinical plications for Director of the Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center (CSCC). e academic researchers and statistics faculty in appointment will be in the Department of Biostatistics in UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public clinical research center. Statistical Health. A doctoral degree in Biostatistics or a closely-related eld is required. e Director will consulting/computing/data man- have extensive experience in managing multi-disciplinary scienti c research. Evidence of success agement/methodologic research; in competing for grants and/or contracts for coordinating center projects is highly desirable. e academic rank (associate or full professor) and track (tenured, research, clinical, or practice) will graduate degree biostatistics/sta- depend on the quali cations and research focus of the applicant. tistics required. SAS programming skill a requirement. SPLUS/STATA/ Established in 1971, the CSCC is the longest-running NIH-funded Coordinating Center, with a preferred. Full Dartmouth benefi ts. portfolio of studies spanning various disease areas. e University of North Carolina is among the nation’s top public research universities, with dynamic programs in biostatistics, epidemiol- Please apply online at http://jobs. ogy, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, public health, and medicine. is position is an excellent dartmouth.edu, position #1000994. opportunity for a senior-level leader seeking to play a major role in a dynamic and growing group with a highly multidisciplinary focus in a leading academic department. is position will remain Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/ open until lled. affi rmative action employer and has a strong To apply, use the electronic submission website at http://jobs.unc.edu/2502217 and upload PDF commitment to diversity. Women, minorities, versions of your CV, cover letter, and research and teaching statements. Candidates must also ar- persons with disabilities, and veterans are range for three letters of recommendation to arrive via email to Betsy Seagroves at bseagrov@bios. encouraged to apply. unc.edu. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Amy Herring, Chair of the Search Committee at [email protected] . e Gillings School of Global Public Health is actively committed to diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. e University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

46 amstat news february 2012 application instructions, please see our full advertisement at www.math.ttu.edu/ department/openings.shtml. EOE. Washington n The Seattle VA Biostatistics Unit and the University of Washington Department of Biostatistics are jointly searching for a full-time (100% FTE) Core Investigator/ Research Assistant Professor to contribute to biostatistics research as part of a VA HSR&D Center of Excellence. Applicants must hold a PhD in biostatistics, statistics, or a related field. Position open until filled. Complete text of advertisement can be found at www.biostat.washington. edu/employment/faculty. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of Washington are affirmative action, equal opportunity employers. n Senior biostatistician to provide clinical trial services for the Northwest's leading CRO. Responsibilities: reviewing protocols, case report forms, performing sample size calculations, writing statistical analysis plans, developing and produc- ing interim and final reports, overseeing production and presentation of data monitoring committee reports and analyzing data for regulatory submissions. Fax or email a cover letter and résumé to (206) 547-4671 or [email protected]. Reference job number #11-12-129. www. axioresearch.com Axio values a diverse workplace. We are an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Wisconsin n The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Mathematics Department has an opening for at least one tenure-track position for a statistician beginning August 2012. A doctorate in statistics must be completed with a transcript provided by January 1, 2013. Preference will be given to an applicant interested in the actuarial field. To learn more, visit www.uwplatt.edu/pers/ employ.htm. n

february 2012 amstat news 47 FEBRUARY 2012 • Issue #416

AMSTATNEWS ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

Listed below are our display advertisements only. If you are looking for job- placement ads, please see the professional opportunities section. For more job listings or more information about advertising, please visit www.amstat.org.

misc. products and services Brigham Young University...... p. 28 Cambridge University Press...... p. 25 Northwestern University...... p. 30

professional opportunities Children's Healthcare of Atlanta...... p. 45 Dartmouth College ...... p. 46 NORC...... p. 45 U.S. Census Bureau...... p. 43, 47 The University of Kansas Medical Center...... p. 44 University of Connecticut Health Center...... p. 45 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. . .p. 46 Westat...... p. 46

software Cytel Inc...... p. 26 JMP, a business unit of SAS...... cover 3 Minitab Inc...... centerfold NCSS...... p. 8 Salford Systems...... centerfold SAS...... cover 4 StataCorp...... p. 42 Statistical Solutions...... p. 41 StatSoft...... cover 2

48 amstat news february 2012