March 2011 • Issue #405 AMSTATNEWS the Membership Magazine of the American Statistical Association • ASA Board of Directors Candidates

Home , Betz Halloran, Jianqing Fan, John Kingman, Julian Besag

March 2011 • Issue #405 AMSTATNEWS The Membership Magazine of the American Statistical Association • http://magazine.amstat.org ASA Board of Directors Candidates

ALSO: Good News or Bad News? Academic jobs for statisticians and biostatisticians

Young Professionals Website Set to Launch

Publications Agreement No. 41544521

AmstatNews MARCH 2011 • Issue #405

Executive Director Ron Wasserstein: [email protected] Associate Executive Director and Director of Operations features Stephen Porzio: [email protected] 3 President’s Corner Director of Education Martha Aliaga: [email protected] 4 JCGS Turns 20 Director of Science Policy 5 Young Professionals Website Set to Launch Steve Pierson: [email protected] 6 Report of the 2010 Education Workgroup on Degree Managing Editor Megan Murphy: [email protected] Program Recommendations

Production Coordinators/Graphic Designers 7 Conference on Health Statistics to Take Place in Fiji Melissa Muko: [email protected] Kathryn Wright: [email protected] 8 ASA Board of Directors Candidates

Publications Coordinator 18 Workshop Provides Real-World Experience Val Nirala: [email protected] 19 Good News or Bad News? Academic jobs for statisticians Advertising Manager and biostatisticians Claudine Donovan: [email protected] 20 Dhaka University Statistics Department Celebrates 60 Years Contributing Staff Members Pam Craven • Melissa Muko • Eric Sampson 20 Meeting Planned in Memory of Julian Besag

Amstat News welcomes news items and letters from readers on matters of interest to the association and the profession. Address correspondence to Managing Editor, Amstat News, American Statistical Association, 732 North 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. columns Articles will be edited for space. Accompanying artwork will be accepted in graphics file formats only (.jpg, etc.), minimum 300 dpi. No material in 21 Science Policy WordPerfect will be accepted. Amstat News (ISSN 0163-9617) is published monthly by the American Putting Americans to Work: The Essential Role of Federal Statistical Association, 732 North Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314- Labor Market Statistics 1943 USA. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Amstat News, 732 This column is written to inform ASA members about what the ASA is doing to North Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314-1943 USA. Send Canadian promote the inclusion of statistics in policymaking and the funding of statistics address changes to APC, PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Rich Hill, research. To suggest science policy topics for the ASA to address, contact ASA ON L4B 4R6. Annual subscriptions are $50 per year for nonmembers. Amstat News is the member publication of the ASA. For annual membership rates, see Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson at [email protected]. www.amstat.org/join or contact ASA Member Services at (888) 231-3473. Contributing Editor American Statistical Association Andrew Reamer is research professor at the George Washington 732 North Washington Street Institute of Public Policy, The George Washington University. He Alexandria, VA 22314–1943 USA focuses on policies that promote U.S. competitiveness—areas of (703) 684–1221 • FAX: (703) 684-2037 interest include innovation, regional economic and work force development, and economic statistics. He is chair of the Bureau ASA GENERAL: [email protected] of Labor Statistics Data Users Advisory Committee and past ADDRESS CHANGES: [email protected] president of the Association of Public Data Users. AMSTAT EDITORIAL: [email protected] Reamer ADVERTISING: [email protected] WebSite: http://magazine.amstat.org 24 Science Policy Printed in USA © 2011 American Statistical Association Stimulating Economic Growth Through Technological Advance This column is written to inform ASA members about what the ASA is doing to promote the inclusion of statistics in policymaking and the funding of statistics research. To suggest science policy topics for the ASA to address, contact ASA Promoting the Practice and Profession of Statistics Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson at [email protected]. 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 Gordon Reikard is a statistician at Leap Wireless. His research interests include the science through meetings, publications, membership services, economics of growth and application of statistical methods in the physical sciences. education, accreditation, and advocacy. Our members serve in industry, government, and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare. columns

27 MASTER'S NOTEBOOK Clinical Trials and Academia: Goodness of Fit 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 Keith Crank, ASA research and graduate education manager, at [email protected].

Contributing Editor Online Articles Gloria Broadwater is a senior statistician in Duke Cancer Institute’s Cancer Statistical Center. She earned her bachelor’s The following articles in this issue can be found degree in mathematics from Frostburg State University in online at http://magazine.amstat.org. Maryland and master’s in statistics from Virginia Tech.

Graybill Conference Scheduled for June.

Cosponsored by the Nonparametric Section, the Broadwater Graybill Conference on Modern Nonparametric Methods will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, from June 22-24. The focus of the conference is on 28 STATtr@k nonparametric and semiparametric modeling and Recent Graduates Offer Advice to Undergraduates functional estimation methods. Included are a short STATtr@k is a column in Amstat News and a website geared toward people who are in a course, invited plenary talks, and a contributed statistics program, recently graduated from a statistics program, or recently entered the poster session. The deadline to participate in 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 student poster competition is March 31. For more Megan Murphy, Amstat News managing editor, at [email protected]. information about the poster competition, visit www.stat.colostate.edu/graybillconference. To read Contributing Editor more about the conference, visit Amstat News online Beth Chance is a statistics professor at California Polytechnic at http://magazine.amstat.org/?cat=17. State University, San Luis Obispo. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvey Mudd College and a master’s and PhD in operations GW Statistics Department Celebrates 75th research from Cornell University. Her research interests include methods of enhancing student learning of statistics, particularly Anniversary. Formed in 1935, the Department of through technology and alternative assessment methods. Statistics at The George Washington University is the oldest statistics department within a school of Chance liberal arts and sciences, and one of the oldest departments of statistics in the United States. The department recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a one-day symposium featuring a number of distinguished speakers. To read more about the departments department, visit Amstat News online at http:// magazine.amstat.org/blog/2011/03/01/gwu-mar11. 30 statistician's view A Note from the Director, Division of Mathematical Sciences at NSF

I was delighted that this ESP paper was accept- member news ed in a mainstream science journal, because it 32 Awards and Deadlines brought this whole subject up again … 34 People News

“ James Berger, a statistician at Duke University, 35 Section • Chapter • Committee News New York Times article, "You Might Already Know This" 36 Calendar of Events http://tinyurl.com/4kolg29“ 37 Professional Opportunities

2 amstat news march 2011 president's corner

What Do You Do as ASA President? 2011 Initiatives

fter being elected, the based on the Summer Institute (vice chair of the Professional president-elect proposes for Training in Biostatistics Issues and Visibility Council) is an annual operating plan (SIBS), which is sponsored by the chair, and Christy Chuang- forA his (her) presidential year. the National Heart, Lung, and Stein (chair of the Membership The plan consists of a number of Blood Institute and the National Council and ASA vice initiatives (usually three) that will Center for Research Resources of president) is vice chair. The define some of the accomplish- the National Institutes of Health. complete list of members ments (s)he hopes to achieve as This program funds summer pro- can be found at www.amstat. ASA president. Initiatives are dis- grams that provide a memorable org/committees/commdetails. cussed, refined, and approved by five- to seven-week experience for cfm?txtComm=ABTORG07. the board of directors. Prior to the students who participate. A The 2011 public awareness approval, the president-elect large proportion of these students initiative is a fun one, officially appoints a workgroup chair and go on to study graduate biostatis- called the 2011 ASA “Promoting members of the workgroup to tics or a related field. the Practice and Profession of carry out each of the initiatives. The goal of SIS is to provide Statistics” Video Competition, A budget for each is needed, per- a similar pipeline for other fields but known affectionately as “the haps for travel or awards, and of application of statistics, such YouTube initiative.” The goal of that requires early planning. as economics, psychometrics, or this initiative is to portray statis- Chairing a workgroup entails a engineering. Designing solicitation tics and statisticians in a positive Nancy Geller lot of responsibility, even with a for the program and identifying light during a short film (and we great workgroup and the able sources of funding are the major are hoping some of them will go assistance of ASA staff. workgroup tasks. Pam Arroway viral). Entries will be judged on For the past three years, the ini- (who served on the 2010 Council quality of statistical content and tiatives have been tied to the cur- of Sections Governing Board entertainment value. URLs for rent ASA strategic plan, which was and is involved in SIBS) chairs sample videos, actually made by approved in 2008. The strategic this workgroup, with Jessica Utts members of the workgroup (and plan sets out eight areas of impor- (Council of Sections representative therefore not eligible for prizes), tance to the association: member- to the ASA Board) as vice chair. and the rules can be found at www. ship growth, public awareness, The membership is listed at www. amstat.org/youtube. The deadline is visibility and impact in policy- amstat.org/committees/commdetails. July 15, and we will announce the making, meetings, publications cfm?txtComm=ABTORG06. winners and show at least the win- and information needs, education, In last month’s column, I ning entries at JSM. financial status, and organizational wrote about some of the achieve- Tom Short (Council of efficiency. For details, see www. ments of the Leadership Support Chapters representative to the amstat.org/about/strategicplan.cfm. Council (LSC) in its first year. ASA Board of Directors) chairs Although there is provision for (See http://magazine.amstat.org/ this workgroup. Other mem- updating the strategic plan annu- blog/2011/02/01/prescornerfeb11.) bers are listed at www.amstat. ally, the eight areas continue to The 2011 organizational efficien- org/committees/commdetails. remain highly relevant. As a result, cy initiative will prepare guidance cfm?txtComm=ABTEDU04. the ASA presidents have related for the functioning of the LSC In closing, I note that you will their initiatives to one of these based on the first year’s experience. soon have the opportunity to cast areas of importance. For example, timing of meetings, your vote for the 2012 president- For 2011, there are three initia- committee appointments, and elect and other ASA officers. See tives, one pertaining to education, communication with commit- Page 8 for details and look for one to organizational efficiency, tee chairs will be more clearly your ballot in your email or post- and one to public awareness. specified. The goal is to make al mail box. The 2011 education initia- the LSC function in an efficient tive will lay the groundwork for manner. This workgroup con- a Summer Institute in Statistics sists of several current members (SIS) for undergraduates. It is of the LSC. Janet Buckingham

march 2011 amstat news 3 JCGS Turns 20 Rich Levine, JCGS Editor

The second issue will focus on graphical statistics with a spread from winners of the ASA Data Expo that was organized and arranged by Hadley Wickham. The issue will also include research articles about state-of- the art visualization tools for functional and massive data and graphical innovations for complex model settings. The third issue will feature a Shakespearean twist on a data augmentation scheme in “To Center or Not to Center: That Is Not the Question an Ancillarity- Sufficiency Interweaving Strategy (ASIS) for Boosting MCMC Above: John Tukey holds the first issue of JCGS. Efficiency,” by Yaming Yu and Left: The JCGS 20th anniversary volume Xiao-Li Meng with discussion from the research groups of Jim Hobert, Gareth Roberts, Dongchu Sun, and Ying Nian Wu. he Journal of Computational suggests, an equally tongue-in- The fourth issue of Volume 20 and Graphical Statistics cheek expository aimed to rile up will feature historical pieces about (JCGS) is moving beyond the troops—eliciting elaborations pervasive topics in computational Tits teenage years, riding the ever- by graphics researchers and the sta- and graphical statistics. growing wave of computational tistical community—on the power An additional high point of and graphical technological of well-designed graphics. the 20th anniversary celebration advances into the “Roaring A lively discussion ensues, will be an invited paper session Twenties,” an age of energy and leading with a historical perspec- at JSM in Miami Beach, Florida, fortitude mixed with growing tive by Howard Wainer and a titled “Teaching an Old Dog maturity and enlightenment. To “just the facts ma’am” modeling New Tricks: Parallel, Adaptive, celebrate this volume, the sym- perspective by Matt Briggs. Two and Automated Monte Carlo bols of a 20th anniversary—plat- responses follow: “Graph People Methods Appearing in JCGS,” inum and china—will grace the vs. Table People,” by Michael with talks by Radu Craiu, Tim cover. Barring any delay in the Friendly and Ernest Kwan, and Hanson, and Chris Holmes. production process, each issue “Charts v. Tables: A Rematch,” The former two will bring to life will feature a piece highlighting by Graham Wills. clever manipulations of mixture the past and future of computa- The March issue rounds out models and Pólya trees, respec- tional and/or graphical statistics, with articles about the most tively, in the growing area of along with original research arti- prominent topic covered in adaptive MCMC. The latter will cles about a related and hot topic JCGS during its 20-year his- highlight a recent JCGS “submis- of the times. tory: Bayesian computing. These sion” of bringing graphics cards The first issue features “Why works focus on the timely top- (GPUs) to mainstream statistical Tables Are Really Much Better ics of adaptive (Markov chain) computing, an inexpensive means than Graphs,” by Andrew Gelman. Monte Carlo, sequential Monte of performing massively parallel The article plays off Gelman’s Carlo, model averaging, and computing tasks—particularly popular blog in a more formal applications in Bayesian analy- simulation—right on your desk journal setting, but, as the title ses, particularly nonparametric top, no supercomputer or com- Bayesian methods. puting cluster required. n

4 amstat news march 2011 Young Professionals Website Set to Launch Melissa Muko, ASA Production Coordinator/Graphic Designer STTAT trtr@k his month, the ASA launched STATtr@k, a website geared toward Tyoung professional statisticians (individuals who are in a statistics program, recently graduated from a statistics program, or who recently entered the job world). STATtr@k provides a central location to access career information and resources, as well as to learn more about the ASA and the statistics profession. would like to see on STATtr@k, [email protected]. And don’t Based on the young profes- email Amstat News Managing forget to visit the site today at sionals corner of Amstat News, Editor Megan Murphy at http://stattrak.amstat.org. n STATtr@k features articles about such topics as how to apply for a job, how to be a successful graduate student, and how to make the transition from coursework to research. STATtr@k also offers information about career and mentorship sites, upcoming conferences, and awards and competitions. Students are encouraged to check the website monthly for the latest news and announcements. STATtr@k also will provide information about becom- ing involved in the American Statistical Association and links to the ASA’s JobWeb, Community, and publications. With the launch of STATtr@k, the ASA is striving to involve students in all aspects of the association. “The ASA is delighted to introduce this new feature,” said ASA Executive Director Ron Wasserstein. “Young professionals are the future of statistics, and the ASA hopes to support their development in every way it can.” If you have an idea for an article or an announcement you

march 2011 amstat news 5 Report of the 2010 Education Workgroup on Degree Program Recommendations Jessica Utts, Workgroup Chair

re statisticians at all levels receiving the edu- was to recommend a process by which the under- cation they need to fulfill the roles expected graduate statistics curriculum guidelines approved of them in the 21st century? The ASA’s by the board in 2000 (www.amstat.org/education/ 2010A Education Workgroup was appointed by curriculumguidelines.cfm) could be updated and a 2010 ASA President Sastry Pantula and asked to document to provide curriculum guidance for MS “Facilitate a significant discussion among academic and PhD degrees in statistics could be created. units, industry statisticians, and government statisti- The initiative was motivated, in part, by a discus- cians about the preparation of statisticians.” The goal sion with the Caucus of Academic Representatives, in which members recognized the need for sharing ideas and information about statistics degree programs across institutions. Recognizing the need for input from a broad spectrum, Pantula appointed Workgroup Members representatives to the workgroup from a range of Jessica Utts (chair), University of California, ASA committees. Irvine, ASA Board Members of the workgroup sought information from academic, industry, and government statisti- Lori Thombs, University of Missouri, ASA cians, mostly through events held at JSM 2010. Section on Statistical Education They found there was substantial interest in the development of the proposed guidelines in the form Dalene Stangl, Duke University, ASA Caucus of desired learning outcomes, rather than a list of of Academic Representatives recommended courses. Individual departments with degree programs could then decide how best to align Morteja Marzjarani, Saginaw Valley State their curriculums with those learning outcomes, University, SPAIG Committee taking local resources, interests, and, possibly, local employment opportunities into account. Nandini Kannan, The University of Texas at In addition to being used for developing and San Antonio, ASA Committee on Outreach revising degree programs, the recommendations Education could be used by external reviewers as benchmarks Devan Mehrotra, Merck Research Labs, ASA for program reviews, by departments and programs to justify resource requests to their administration, Career Development Committee and by programs that require the assessment of Eileen King, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital learning outcomes as part of accreditation reviews. Medical Center, ASA Advisory Committee on The needs expressed by government and indus- Continuing Education try representatives went beyond what statistics and math departments currently offer. More than Marlene Egger, University of Utah, ASA once, they indicated the technical (“hard”) skills Committee on Applied Statisticians will get you an interview, but the “soft” skills will get you the job (and allow you to keep it). Many Keith Crank and Rebecca Nichols, ASA staff times, members of the workgroup heard that learn- representatives ing outcomes for statistics degree programs should include the ability to communicate effectively to

6 amstat news march 2011 nontechnical audiences, work as part of a team, integrate information from a variety of sources, and provide technical and nontechnical advice about a Conference on project from start to finish. At JSM 2010, Pantula and SAS CEO Jim Goodnight emphasized the need Health Statistics to for a strong foundation in core, communication, and computational skills. Workgroup members learned that the most Take Place in Fiji diverse offerings among training programs in statistics are at the undergraduate level. That also may be the level for which curriculum guidelines are most useful, with the master’s level next in importance. An option gaining in popularity and needing separate consideration is the professional science master’s degree in statistics. This degree is popular among working professionals and often offered partially or fully online. It tends to have less training in mathematical statistics than a traditional master’s degree and is usually a terminal degree. As more universities develop this degree, it would be helpful to have input from potential employers about what knowl- Medioimages/Photodisc, www.thinkstockphotos.com edge and skills are most useful to include. Sailboat on Mamanuca Group Resort beach, Tokoriki Island, Fiji PhD programs that train future faculty members tend to be the most focused, presumably because faculty are more familiar with how to train their own tatisticians from the ASA, and this important interna- future colleagues than with how to train statisticians Statistical Society of tional conference,” said Ron for industry and government employment. Few Australia, and New Zealand Wasserstein, ASA executive direc- faculty members have experience in these sectors, StatisticalS Association—as well tor. “The ASA’s mission is to pro- especially at the level of jobs requiring a bachelor’s as local statistics communities mote the practice and profession or master’s degree. Yet, many students who gradu- from the Pacific Islands—will of statistics. Part of doing so is to ate with a PhD in statistics do not enter academic come together in Suva, Fiji, for the work closely with our colleagues jobs, and guidelines produced from discussions with International Conference for in developing nations to demon- industry and government statisticians would benefit Health Statistics in the Pacific strate together how statistics leads PhD programs as well. Islands (ICHSPI-2011) on July 5. to better-informed public policy The process of developing guidelines for pro- For many people outside the and improved human welfare.” grams at all levels should include obtaining feedback Pacific Islands, the mention of “The work of ASA’s Friends from government, industry, and academic employ- Fiji brings visions of cocktails by of Australasia to establish an ers, as well as former students who currently work the pool, idyllic beaches, crystal annual conference on health for those employers. This latter group could provide clear ocean waters, and glori- statistics in the Pacific Islands is feedback on what was missing in their training that ous sunsets. While these are all important and commendable,” would have been helpful in their jobs. components of Fiji’s identity, said Steve Pierson, ASA direc- The current guidelines for undergraduate pro- peaceful and fun-loving people tor of science policy. “This con- grams were developed through a lengthy process, who are working hard to tackle ference will bring attention to including a three-day, in-person meeting involv- health problems faced by devel- important health issues there and ing approximately 30 participants. Members of the oping nations in the Pacific Rim help build statistical capacity to workgroup anticipate a similar lengthy process will also contribute to Fiji’s identity. address those issues. I hope the be needed for updating these guidelines and devel- Statisticians play a pivotal role statistics community embraces oping new ones for other degree levels. in the advancement of devel- this effort.” Recommendations were made to the ASA Board oping nations, as policymakers For more information about for how to proceed, including a multiyear timeline strive to characterize and under- this conference, visit www.statsoc. with a focus on different sectors each year. Anyone stand the complex challenges org.au/PacificHealth or contact interested in getting involved in the development their countries face. Mark Griffin, organizing commit- process should contact Jessica Utts, workgroup “The American Statistical tee chair, at [email protected] or chair, at [email protected]. n Association is delighted to sup- James J. Cochran, program chair, port the Friends of Australasia at [email protected]. n

march 2011 amstat news 7 ASA Board of Directors Candidates he ASA announces the selection of candidates for the 2011 election. The winning candidates’ terms will begin in 2012. Make sure to look for your ballots in your email inbox and to vote early. Voting begins at midnight EST on March 15 and ends at T11:59 p.m. PST on May 3. Paper ballots will only be mailed to those without email addresses on file with the ASA. Complete candidate biographies can be read at www.amstat.org/candidatebios/index. cfm?fuseaction=viewbios. President-elect Jane Pendergast Professor of Biostatistics and Director of the Center for Public Health Statistics, University of Iowa What does the ASA mean to you? I am reminded of I envision the ASA of the future as a stronger an old story where two bricklayers, working side-by- professional home, where statisticians have better side, were asked the question, “What are you doing?” access to a wider range of support throughout their The first responded in great detail about the process professional lives. Yes, we need a variety of ways Pendergast of setting the mortar, laying each brick, and making to build our statistical knowledge, but what else? adjustments to ensure a strong and level wall. The What would help you be more successful? Perhaps second replied, “I’m building a cathedral.” Each of us more information and training on some of the is, in a sense, a brick layer, and, collectively, we are so-called “soft” skills (e.g., communication skills, building our profession, one day at a time. How we developing successful collaborations, time manage- choose to develop and apply our statistical knowledge ment, budgeting, managerial skills, grantsmanship, defines what it means to be a member of this profes- professional writing), vendor discounts outside of sional community. Statistical practice arose out of a meetings, and more networking and career advice social need to make good, data-based decisions and opportunities would be useful to many ASA mem- the related realization that we can discover and learn bers. How can we partner with others to strengthen from data. Surely, we live in a time when the world the support for statisticians, build more interest in could use more and better help than ever! How can our profession, and develop new opportunities? we capitalize on these ever-increasing opportunities Should we offer web-based short courses and train- for statistics, and do so in partnership with others? ing targeted to nonstatisticians? Should we pursue The ASA exists to support the professional devel- more partnerships with other statistical associations opment of its members; to support excellence in the to further our common missions? development, application, and dissemination of sta- I am confident that, together, we will continue tistical science; and to serve as an advocate for the to rethink how the ASA can adjust to today’s world profession. Historically, the focus has been on pub- and become a stronger professional home that is lications, meetings, educational activities, member financially viable. I encourage you to join the con- services, and, more recently, on outreach and advo- versation. Where should we be headed? What is cacy. The need for statistical expertise is strong and working well? Where do you think more efforts are growing, yet our membership is dropping. What needed? Collectively, through the ASA and other would make membership more attractive? avenues, let us build the future of our profession, brick by brick, with a strong vision for the future.

8 amstat news march 2011 President-elect Marie Davidian William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Statistics, North Carolina State University These are exciting times for the statistical sciences and tistical careers. Since 2004, I have codirected an NIH- our profession. Society is increasingly dependent on funded Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics the collection and interpretation of data, to which (SIBS) program to encourage U.S. undergraduates to we—statisticians—and the principles of statistics are pursue graduate training in our discipline and have indispensable, ensuring that sound, objective evidence witnessed them alter their career aspirations. I will and analysis underlie the decisions, policies, and ini- summon this experience and my two-plus decades of tiatives that affect us all, locally, nationally, and glob- teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, and ally. The opportunities statisticians have to contribute outreach to work with our education council and to the discoveries that will shape the future make our other ASA leaders to keep the ASA at the forefront of Davidian profession a rewarding career choice. advances in statistical training. We know this. The ASA is uniquely positioned to Enhancing the value of ASA membership ensure that those who need to know it—the public, The ASA can provide leadership only if member- government officials, business leaders, fellow scien- ship yields benefits that attract and retain the diverse tists, students seeking exciting careers—understand constituencies who study, practice, and use statistics. the importance of what we do. The ASA is also well We must offer enhanced educational opportunities equipped to provide statisticians—and anyone inter- in traditional and emerging topics through frequent, ested in the collection and analysis of data—assets accessible courses, webinars, and other media; more we need to enhance our expertise, grow profession- novel forums for interaction, such as the upcoming ally, and address challenges posed by new technology Conference on Statistical Practice; and opportunities and innovation. for networking and professional development for tar- Recent ASA leaders have developed a bold strategic geted groups such as newly minted and isolated stat- plan, which has catalyzed initiatives that are making isticians. The ASA can foster stronger, mutually ben- our association more effective at fulfilling these objec- eficial relationships among industry, government, and tives. I am honored to be a candidate for ASA presi- academic statisticians and provide infrastructure for dent and am committed to continuing these efforts formation of new advocacy groups. The ASA website, and spearheading new ones, with the overarching Amstat News, and Significance offer unlimited possi- goal of cementing the ASA’s place as a central “go-to” bilities for communication and outreach. Drawing on resource for members and the public regarding every- my experience as a continuing education presenter, thing related to statistics. I will focus on four areas: cofounder of professional development opportunities Furthering the ASA’s impact and raising public such as the ENAR Junior Researcher Workshop, and awareness co-organizer of several thematic conferences, I will Through presidential visits to Capitol Hill, state- strategize with key constituencies to conceive new ments on issues of public importance, and efforts of ways for the ASA to serve its members. our director of science policy and volunteers from Promoting the interests of our profession various committees, the ASA has elevated its voice As various stakeholders debate open access to research, in the public forum. We must pursue even more implications for the ASA’s outstanding publications aggressively opportunities to communicate with deci- are unclear. My decade of experience with Biometrics, sionmakers and ensure that statisticians are involved during which I was involved in negotiating two pub- in policy debates. We must enhance our responsive- lishing agreements, has kept me abreast of the chang- ness to issues arising in government and the media ing landscape of scholarly publication. I will work on which our input is critical. We must implement with members of our Committee on Publications to creative ways to represent our discipline to the public, ensure that ASA journals maintain their robust stat- solo or in partnerships with sister organizations. I will ure, quality, and income. Current uncertainty regard- work vigorously to highlight the ASA as the national ing federal funding comes at a time when investment focal point for statistical leadership. in our discipline would yield substantial payoff. I will Encouraging statistical education and attracting the use my understanding of federal funding mecha- next generation nisms to advocate for increased support for statistical The ASA must continue to promote innovation in sta- research and training. tistical education and the need for the public to have As the ASA approaches its 175th anniversary, we statistical skills to navigate our data-centric world. We are poised to achieve these aims. I would be honored must inspire talented, diverse students to embrace sta- to work with you toward “Promoting the Practice and Profession of Statistics.”

march 2011 amstat news 9 Vice President David Morganstein Vice President, Director of Statistical Group, Westat, Inc. I deeply appreciate the invitation to be a candidate members. Having worked in and consulted to for the position of vice president of the association. industry and government most of my career, I hold It would be an honor to serve ASA in this role. My the view that sharing best practices, an issue closely many years of participating in the ASA in a num- related to statistical ethics, is an invaluable part of Morganstein ber of positions have brought me in contact with professional growth. As became clear to me in chair- a wide variety of very fine colleagues, with whom ing the deliberations of the ISI ethics committee, I’ve shared much and from whom I have learned there is more to be discussed and shared on ethical much. It would be a distinct pleasure to broaden principles and best practices, and I look forward to these opportunities even further. contributing to efforts to make this new conference If elected, I would look forward to assisting the a great success. Hopefully, we can make it the first president and the board in any way I can in fur- of many such conferences. thering the goals of our association. As a personal Beginning in the early '80s, when I first became goal, recognizing that the ASA is a multicultural, involved in teaching and consulting on statistical diverse organization with many special and diverse process control, I quickly realized the important interests, I will seek to expand my understanding contribution of the statistician to good management of the various and possibly conflicting concerns of principles in improving organizational efficiency. our members and bring this understanding to our Starting in industrial applications, I subsequently had consideration of the future of the ASA. As a survey the privilege of applying these principles and practices statistician, I am particularly pleased that the associ- in many service organizations, including government ation has chosen to engage its membership through statistical agencies and the ASA office. The practice soliciting their views and thoughts before arriving of making sound data-based decisions is quite simply at its decisions. Having served on two accreditation about improving organizational efficiency. committees, I had the opportunity of working with Over the past two years, I have had the oppor- our executive director on a member survey regard- tunity to work on several accreditation commit- ing this topic. The feedback from the members tees in planning and now bringing to fruition this provided the committee with valuable information new opportunity for members. The process has that helped the committee greatly in developing the only begun, and I have joined the ranks of a few current plan for the accreditation process. dozen members who have gone through the care- The association’s strategic plan focuses on a fully designed review process to become accredited. number of areas that are both of personal and of I expect to continue working on expanding, imple- professional interest—namely statistical practice, menting, and fine-tuning this program, particularly organizational efficiency, and accreditation—to since it was of such keen interest to a significant which I believe I could contribute. portion of the membership. The ASA continues in its efforts to balance Finally, in recent years, the ASA office has taken our profession’s critical aspects of sound theory many very proactive steps to find new ways to serve with good practice. Statistical practice is to be the members. I look forward to continuing to help the subject of a new ASA conference to be held in 2012, executive director and the board in any way I can a meeting that will attract many of the association’s be of service.

10 amstat news march 2011 Vice President Fred L. Hulting Director, Global Knowledge Services, Innovation Technology & Quality Division, General Mills, Inc. It is an honor to be nominated as the next vice pres- The challenges facing the ASA as it looks to the ident. If elected, I look forward to working with future are clearly outlined in the ASA’s 2008 strategic all of you—the members of ASA—to strengthen plan. That plan provides context and strategies for the association and shape its future as we approach eight inter-related areas and guides the annual pro- Hulting ASA’s 175th year in 2014. cess of developing initiatives and providing resourc- As an association, we are a prominent, global, es. I fully support the strategic plan and its objectives professional community drawn from varied back- and will partner with the presidents to drive success- grounds and the interdependent sectors of industry, ful outcomes for their strategic initiatives. academia, and government. We play an important Within the strategic plan framework, there are role in our society and economy, making a positive several areas I would emphasize, including member- impact through statistical practice, interdisciplinary ship growth, with outcomes focused on attracting research and outreach, and enhanced statistical lit- applied and consulting statisticians; education, with eracy. And we are supported by our staff and valued outcomes focused on increasing statistical literacy; volunteers, who deliver a mix of programs and ser- and public awareness and visibility/public policy, vices that benefit members, enhance outreach, and with outcomes focused on issue response, integrity ensure financial stability. of government statistics, and collaboration among My work mirrors the ASA’s in many respects. I professional associations. manage a worldwide team that serves an interna- There are existing initiatives in each of these tional client base; collaborates on interdisciplinary areas that we can build on, including accreditation, research projects; and builds academic, industry, and the Conference on Statistical Practice, support for government partnerships. I see the value of increas- our director of science policy, and the development ing statistical literacy among our stakeholders and of resources to further statistical literacy efforts. I the impact of statistics on our company’s success. look forward to aiding the implementation of cur- Finally, working within my budget constraints, I am rent initiatives and to ensuring these areas remain challenged to develop the right mix of knowledge, under consideration as I collaborate with all of you information, and statistical services that benefit our in developing the next “big ideas.” clients and our consumers. As an ASA member since 1984, I have served in This professional experience, coupled with my chapter, section, committee, and publication lead- experience on other nonprofit boards, will enable ership roles and seen the value the association can me to serve the association effectively. I accepted deliver. I am honored to accept this nomination this nomination because I am excited by the poten- and, if elected, to focus my energy and leadership tial for ASA to impact society and support its diverse on ensuring the ASA benefits each of you while it membership by strengthening collaboration and also addresses larger societal and policy issues requir- sharpening its portfolio of programs and services. ing statistical leadership. The ASA is doing well, but it can do even better.

march 2011 amstat news 11 Council of Sections Board Representative Janet P. Buckingham Staff Analyst, Southwest Research Institute The Council of Sections is a vibrant and active statisticians. I would be honored to represent the organization within the ASA focused on serving its Council of Sections on the ASA Board to keep the section members with guidance, communication, communication and interests between these two and collaboration. Sections play such a vital role in groups working to achieve common goals in help- the career growth and professional development of ing statisticians. Buckingham

Margaret A. Nemeth Lead, Statistics Technology Center, Monsanto Company Photo In large organizations, communication is always a and the BOD, I will work to not only increase Unavailable challenge. The sections and their members serve an the communication, but to ensure that important important role in defining/impacting ASA policy, issues/resolutions/decisions are addressed and trans- and it is important to have a direct connection from mitted to both groups. I appreciate the opportunity the sections to the board of directors (BOD). By to serve in this critical role. serving as a liaison between the Council of Sections

Council of Chapters Board Representative Nicholas Horton Associate Professor of Statistics, Smith College The ASA is increasingly concerned with promoting workplaces. At a time when people are increasingly the profession and the value that the discipline can busy and pressed for time, we need to continue to bring to bear on important societal problems. To find ways for the national office to support chapters this end, chapters provide a key structure to both in their efforts to help advance the profession by, Horton enlist the talents of members and to serve their for example, encouraging chapters to share successes professional needs. They provide a local connec- with other chapters. I would welcome the oppor- tion to many outreach, education, and professional tunity to represent the interests of chapters and development opportunities and facilitate in-person further integrate chapter members and officers in contact for members otherwise isolated in their ongoing ASA activities.

Karol Krotki Senior Research Statistician, Research Triangle Institute International ASA is one of the main reasons for the healthy state to help ASA continue helping the profession grow, of our profession and the insatiable demand for increase the supply of statisticians, and satisfy the statisticians and statistical expertise. My objective is consumer demand for this expertise.

Krotki

12 amstat news march 2011 New and Forthcoming Titles in Statistics!

Numerical Methods of Statistics John F. Monahan 2nd Publications Cambridge Series in Statistical and Edition! Probabilistic Mathematics $120.00: Hb: 978-0-521-19158-6: 480 pp. Representative $55.00: Pb: 978-0-521-13951-9 Negative Binomial Regression David Banks Joseph M. Hilbe 2nd “Students, developers, and practitioners Edition! Professor, Department of Statistical in this area will all want to have this thorough guide close at hand. The wealth of Science, Duke University theory and extensive applications using ‘real’ data sets and contemporary software will The ASA is moving into a new era of publication. provide a crucial resource for their research.” Our journals face fresh challenges as we attempt to –William Greene, New York University exploit Internet technology to increase access and $85.00: Hb: 978-0-521-19815-8: 550 pp. provide new functionality. We have also partnered Banks Optimal High-Throughput Screening with a new publisher, which may create some transi- Practical Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Genome-Scale RNAi Research tional issues. I intend to help shape the outcome so Xiaohua Douglas Zhang that the results best serve the needs of our members $99.00: Hb: 978-0-521-51771-3: 216 pp. and our profession. $39.99: Pb: 978-0-521-73444-8 Statistical Learning for Biomedical Data John Stufken James D. Malley, Karen G. Malley, Sinisa Pajevic Professor and Head, Department of Practical Guides to Biostatistics and Epidemiology Statistics, University of Georgia $105.00: Hb: 978-0-521-87580-6: 312 pp. $48.00: Pb: 978-0-521-69909-9 To maintain its status as the preeminent profession- Quantitative Risk Assessment al society in the statistical sciences, nothing is more The Scientific Platform important for the ASA than a portfolio of vibrant Terje Aven and prestigious journals. Improving and judiciously $57.00: Hb: 978-0-521-76057-7: 216 pp. expanding the portfolio will have to take place in a Stufken An Elementary Introduction rapidly changing publishing landscape, where tech- 3rd to Mathematical Finance Edition! nological innovations have opened doors to novel Sheldon M. Ross means of faster electronic forms of communication $60.00: Hb: 978-0-521-19253-8: 328 pp. that offer exciting options not available under the The Elements of MATLAB Style traditional publishing model. I would be excited Richard K. Johnson and honored to serve the association as the publica- $19.99: Pb: 978-0-521-73258-1: 184 pp. tions representative on the board of directors and to Probability and Mathematical help its portfolio evolve by taking advantage of tech- Genetics nological innovations and modern developments in Papers in Honour of Sir John Kingman the world of publishing, while also maintaining the Edited by N. H. Bingham, C. M. Goldie highest standards of quality for the journals and CONTRIBUTORS: J. F. C. Kingman, David J. Aldous, G. K. Ambler, B. W. Silverman, A. D. Barbour, S. Tavaré, building on the reputation that the ASA has estab- J. D. Biggins, N. H. Bingham, A. J. Ostaszewski, D. lished over many years. J. Daley, Aurore Delaigle, Peter Hall, Peter Donnelly, Stephen Leslie, Warren J. Ewens, Geoffrey A. Watterson, Alexander Gnedin, Chris Haulk, Jim Pitman, C. M. Goldie, R. Cornish, C. L. Robinson, Peter J. Green, D. R. Grey, R. C. Griffiths, D. Spanó, Geoffrey Grimmett, P. H. Haynes, V. H. Hoang, J. R. Norris, K. C. Zygalakis, F. P. Kelly, R. J. Williams, W. S. Kendall, V. Shcherbakov, S. Don't Forget to VOTE! Volkov, P. Whittle, David Williams London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series Wait for your ballot to arrive by email.* $80.00: Pb: 978-0-521-14577-0: 546 pp. Voting begins at midnight EST on March 15 and ends at Prices subject to change. 11:59 p.m. PST on May 3. *Those with email addresses not on file with the ASA will be sent a ballot by mail. www.cambridge.org/us/statistics 800.872.7423 march 2011 amstat news 13 ASA 2012 Election Candidates List

Council of Chapters Governing Biopharmaceutical Section (BIOP) Board (COCGB) Chair-elect Chair-elect Ram Suresh, Merck & Co. Michael P. Cohen, Independent Statistical Amit Bhattacharyya, GlaxoSmithKline Consultant R&D, USA Daniel Kasprzyk, NORC at the University Council of Sections Board Representative of Chicago B. Christine Clark, ReSearch Pharmaceutical Vice Chair, Region 1, Dist. 1 Services, Inc. Alan Olinsky, Bryant University Jim MacDougall, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Marianne E. Messina, Bristol-Myers Squibb Program Chair-elect Vice Chair, Region 1, Dist. 2 Estelle Russek-Cohen, U.S. Food and David W. Webb, U.S. Army Research Laboratory Drug Administration Alex Cambon, University of Louisville Ivan S.F. Chan, Merck Research Laboratories Secretary Council of Sections Governing Christopher J. Miller, AstraZeneca Board (COSGB) Dionne L. Price, U.S. Food and Chair-elect Drug Administration Todd Nick, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital Section on Statistical Consulting (CNSL) Katherine Halvorsen, Smith College Chair-elect Vice Chair Marlene J. Egger, University of Utah W. Steve Yao, Amgen Inc. Walter T. Ambrosius, Wake Forest University Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar, The RAND Corporation School of Medicine Council of Sections Board Representative Business and Economic Statistics Stuart A. Gansky, University of California, Section (B&E) San Francisco Chair-elect Eric Vance, Virginia Tech John M. Abowd, Cornell University Edward Melnick, New York University Executive Committee at Large Margaret A. Nemeth, Monsanto Company Program Chair-elect Dennis L. Eggett, Brigham Young University Sung K. Ahn, Washington State University Secretary/Treasurer Alan L. Montgomery, Carnegie Mellon University Roy N. Tamura, Eli Lilly and Company Biometrics Section (BIOM) Ann Lazar, University of California, San Francisco Chair-elect Section on Statistical Computing (COMP) Susan Groshen, University of Southern California/ Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Chair-elect Jianwen Cai, The University of North Carolina at Montse Fuentes, North Carolina State University Chapel Hill Wolfgang Jank, Wiley’s Statistics in Practice Council of Sections Board Representative Council of Sections Board Representative Scarlett L. Bellamy, University of Pennsylvania Greg Snow, Intermountain Healthcare Mari Palta, University of Wisconsin Erik Iverson, University of Minnesota

14 amstat news march 2011 Program Chair-elect Section on Statistics in Epidemiology (EPI) John W. Emerson, Yale University Chair-elect Berwin A Turlach, University of Western Australia M. Elizabeth (Betz) Halloran, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington Secretary/Treasurer G. Jay Kerns, Youngstown State University Mimi Kim, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Jane L. Harvill, Baylor University Council of Sections Board Representative Martina Pavlicova, Columbia University Section on Statistical Education (EDUC) Rajeshwari Sundaram, National Institute of Child Chair-elect Health and Human Development, NIH Deborah Nolan, University of California, Berkeley Program Chair-elect Dennis K. Pearl, The Ohio State University Jing Cheng, UCSF Council of Sections Board Representative Jinbo Chen, University of Pennsylvania Jennifer J. Kaplan, Michigan State University Publications Officer Paul Roback, St. Olaf College Daniel Rubin, U.S. Food and Executive Committee at Large Drug Administration Nathan Tintle, Hope College Jessica Gerald Young, Harvard School of Tim Jacobbe, University of Florida Public Health Executive Committee at Large Section on Government Statistics (GOVT) Amy G. Froelich, Iowa State University Chair-elect Suhwon Lee, University of Missouri Michael P. Cohen, Independent Statistical Consultant Section on Statistics and the Environment (ENVR) Lisa M. Blumerman, U.S. Census Bureau Chair-elect Program Chair-elect William F. Christensen, Brigham Young University Mark Harris, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Petrutza C. Caragea, Iowa State University National Agricultural Statistics Service Council of Sections Board Representative Eric Rancourt, Statistics Canada Devin Johnson, National Oceanic and Section on Statistical Graphics (GRPH) Atmospheric Administration Chair-elect Ronald E. McRoberts, U.S. Forest Service Webster West, Texas A&M University Program Chair-elect Graham Wills, SPSS, an IBM Company Veronica J. Berrocal, University of Michigan Program Chair-elect Mary C. Meyer, Colorado State University Kary Myers, Los Alamos National Laboratory Publications Chair-elect Rafe Donahue, BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc./ Matthew Heaton, Duke University Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Kate Calder, The Ohio State University Publications Officer Treasurer Mat Soukup, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Paul L. Patterson, Forest Service, USDA Rebecca Nugent, Carnegie Mellon University Kathi Irvine Health Policy Statistics Section (HPSS) Chair-elect Matthew D. Rotelli, Eli Lilly and Company Mary Beth Landrum, Harvard Medical School

march 2011 amstat news 15 Section on Statistics in Marketing (MKTG) Section on Risk Analysis (RISK) Chair-elect Chair-elect David A. Schweidel, University of Murali Haran, Pennsylvania State University Wisconsin-Madison School of Business Yiliang Zhu, University of South Florida Ewa Nowakowska, GfK Polonia Program Chair-elect Program Chair-elect Brooke Buckley, Northern Kentucky University Leslie Matekaitis, Nielsen Company Michael E. Tarter, University of Michael Braun, Massachusetts Institute California, Berkeley of Technology Publications Officer Secretary/Treasurer Jennifer L. Clarke, University of Miami Stan Lipovetsky, GfK Custom Research Edward L. Boone, Virginia North America Commonwealth University Peter Ebbes, The Ohio State University Secretary/Treasurer Section on Nonparametric Elizabeth H. Margosches, U.S. Statistics (NPAR) Environmental Protection Agency Chair-elect Stephen Gilbert, National Institute for Jianqing Fan, Princeton University Occupational Safety and Health Bani K. Mallick, Texas A&M University Section on Bayesian Statistical Program Chair-elect Sciences (SBSS) Aurore Delaigle, Queen University of Chair-elect Melbourne, Australia Francesca Dominici, Harvard University Ciprian M. Crainiceanu, The Johns Alicia Carriquiry, Iowa State University Hopkins University Program Chair-elect Publications Officer Mahlet G. Tadesse, Georgetown University Karin S. Dorman, Iowa State University Peter F. Thall, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Hao Helen Zhang, North Carolina Cancer Center State University Publications Officer Treasurer Adam Branscum, Oregon State University Rui Song, Colorado State University Mayetri Gupta, Boston University Tatiyana (Tanya) Apanasovich, Thomas Secretary/Treasurer Jefferson University Jerry Reiter, Duke University Section on Quality & Productivity (Q&P) Amy Xia, Amgen Inc. Chair-elect Section on Statistics in Defense and Daksha Chokshi, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne National Security (SDNS) Theresa Utlaut, Intel Corporation Chair-elect Program Chair-elect Jeffrey L. Solka, NSWCDD Willis Jensen, W.L. Gore & Associates George Michailidis, University of Michigan Medical Products Division Rachel (Johnson) Silvestrini, Naval Program Chair-elect Postgraduate School Aubrey Dale Magoun, University of Louisiana at Monroe/Applied Research and Analysis, Inc. Al Ozonoff, Children’s Hospital Boston

16 amstat news march 2011 Section on Statistics in Sports (SIS) Secretary/Treasurer Chair-elect Theodore T. Allen, The Ohio State University Michael A. Rutter, The Behrend College Allison M. Rajakumar, The Lubrizol Corporation Patricia English, Pfizer Inc. Section on Survey Research Council of Sections Board Representative Methods (SRMS) Phil Yates, Saint Michael's College Chair-elect Albyn Jones, Reed College Virginia M. Lesser, Oregon State University Sandra Clarkson, Hunter College of CUNY Jill M. Montaquila, Joint Program in Survey Program Chair-elect Methodology, University of Maryland Michael E. Schuckers, St. Lawrence University Council of Sections Board Representative Andrew W. Swift, University of Nebraska Polly Phipps, Bureau of Labor Statistics at Omaha Chris Moriarity, National Center for Section on Statistical Learning and Data Health Statistics Mining (SLDM) Program Chair-elect Chair-elect Frauke Kreuter, Joint Program in Survey David Banks, Duke University Methodology, University of Maryland Xiaoming Huo, Georgia Institute of Technology Wendy Rotz, Ernst and Young Program Chair-elect Secretary Yufeng Liu, The University of North Carolina at Barbara Lepidus Carlson, Mathematica Chapel Hill Policy Research Giles Hooker, Cornell University Rebecca Andridge, The Ohio State University College of Public Health Social Statistics Section (SOC) Chair-elect Statistical Programmers and Analysts Warren Brown, University of Georgia Section (SSPA) Linda A. Jacobsen, Population Reference Bureau Chair-elect Jyoti N. Rayamajhi, Eli Lilly & Company Program Chair-elect Simon Lin, Eisai Inc. Michael D. Sinclair, NORC at the University of Chicago Program Chair-elect Deborah H. Griffin, U.S. Census Bureau Michael Carniello, Takeda Global Research & Development Secretary/Treasurer Nancy J. Petersen, Houston Health Services Natalya Verbitsky-Savitz, Mathematica Research and Development Center of Excellence Policy Research Anthony Tersine Jr., U.S. Census Bureau Secretary Lauren Bailey, University of California, Irvine Section on Physical & Engineering Christopher D. Long, San Diego Padres Sciences (SPES) Treasurer Chair-elect Rick Wicklin, SAS Institute Jim Rutherford, Chevron Oronite Company, LLC Heidi Nasizadeh, Genentech Inc. Winson Taam, The Boeing Company Program Chair-elect Section on Teaching Statistics in the Health Sciences (TSHS) Stephanie Pickle DeHart, DuPont Chair-elect Peter W. Hovey, University of Dayton Deborah Dawson, University of Iowa Steven Grambrow, Duke University Medical Center n march 2011 amstat news 17 Workshop Provides Real-World Experience

problems typically require fresh insight for both the formulation and solution. Often, the biggest challenge is figuring out what the real question is. Students learn how to do this and work out a usable result under a tight deadline. Additionally, students gain experience in the team approach to problemsolving. During the workshop, they are divided into six-member teams. Each team is mentored by both the problem presenter and a faculty adviser. Students also work together to produce an oral presentation and written report of their results, which occasionally leads to later journal publication. The teams often come up with useful solutions to a company’s problem. Moreover, projects presented at the workshop have he Seventeenth Industrial Mathematical and led to long-term collaboration between students, Statistical Modeling (IMSM) Workshop for faculty, and the companies involved. Graduate Students is set to take place at Local and travel expenses are paid for students TNorth Carolina State University from July 7–15. from U.S. institutions. Applications for the work- The workshop exposes graduate students in shop are due by April 15. More information is avail- mathematics and statistics to real-world problems able at www.samsi.info/imsm11, and questions can from industry and government. Issues raised by the be directed to [email protected]. n

18 amstat news march 2011 Good News or Bad News? Academic jobs for statisticians and biostatisticians Keith Crank, ASA Research and Graduate Education Manager

raduation is fast approaching for many statistics and biostatis- Gtics students and, with it, the desire/need to find a job. This is especially true for PhD students. (Presumably, bachelor’s and master’s students could continue their schooling.) This month, I want to give my perceptions of the academic (faculty) job market for PhDs in statistics and biostatistics. And I encourage those of you involved in this process to give me your feedback. The ASA maintains an email list PhDs awarded by statistics and sent to this email list is because of representatives from academic biostatistics departments between more department chairs are statistics and biostatistics groups. July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010. aware of it. And some of these Many academic job postings are Of these new PhDs, 77 took jobs could disappear because of circulated to this email list, so I jobs at PhD-granting depart- the lack of funding before anyone went back and counted the num- ments of mathematics, statistics, gets hired into them. Still, over- ber of such postings over the past or biostatistics. An additional 88 all, it looks like a positive situa- few years. I found that, from mid- took jobs in other departments tion for those on the academic July through the end of December or at research institutes; 16 took job market this year. 2008, there were emails advertis- jobs at colleges and universities Keith Crank earned If you are one of the people in a BS in mathematics ing 29 academic jobs in statistics/ that do not grant PhDs; 10–13 the job market—either a soon-to- education and an biostatistics for the 2009–2010 were still looking for a job; and graduate PhD student or a recent MS in mathematics school year. For the same period 40–43 had an unknown status. from Michigan State graduate—or one of the people University and a PhD in 2009, there were emails adver- (The numbers for 2008–2009 involved in hiring this year, let in statistics from tising 25 jobs for the 2010–2011 are similar.) me know how things are going. Purdue University. school year. And for the same With such a small number of Finally, here is a piece of Prior to joining the period in 2010, there were emails academic job ads being distrib- ASA as research and more general information for graduate education advertising 56 jobs for the 2011– uted (in statistics and biostatis- PhD statisticians in the work manager, he was a 2012 school year. These numbers tics), one has to wonder whether force. The National Science program officer at would suggest this is a good year to a large number of these recent the National Science Foundation just released a report Foundation, primar- be looking for a job in academia, graduates took temporary jobs indicating the 2008 unemploy- ily in the probability but the reality is probably a bit or jobs that were not what they ment rate for PhDs in math and program. more complicated. wanted. And will they be back on statistics was 1.0%, well below the job market again this year? the overall unemployment rate The American Another issue is whether some in the United States, and the Mathematical Society students delayed completion of point estimate is the lowest in Their Data on the their degree because of concerns among the science disciplines. about the job market. If there are (For details, see www.nsf.gov/ Profession a substantial number of such stu- statistics/infbrief/nsf11308/?WT. Preliminary Report on the 2009– dents, there may be a larger than mc_id=USNSF_178.) 2010 New Doctoral Recipients— usual number of PhD degrees To contact me, send an email by Richard Cleary, James W. awarded this year, and that also to [email protected]. Questions Maxwell, and Colleen Rose— would increase the number of or comments about this article, (www.ams.org/notices/201102/ people looking for jobs this year. as well as suggestions for future rtx110200291p.pdf) shows 374 It’s also possible that the articles, are always welcome. n increase in the number of jobs

march 2011 amstat news 19 Dhaka University Statistics Department Celebrates 60 Years

From left: M. Ataharul Islam, convener; Kazi Saleh Ahmed, conference chair; Abul Kalam Azad, chief guest; Arefin Siddique, vice chancellor and special guest; Mir Masoom Ali, international committee chair

he American Statistical The department of statistics, Mukherjee of Calcutta University Association sponsored a biostatistics, and informatics (for- delivered the Qazi Motahar probability and statistics merly the department of statis- Husain Memorial Lecture, titled Tconference to celebrate the tics) boasts a distinct association “Panorama of Measurements.” 60-year anniversary of the with R. A. Fisher, who visited the There were several keynote and Dhaka University Statistics department in 1950 in response plenary speakers, including Mir Department. The conference, to an invitation by his friend and Masoom Ali, Rahul Mukerjee, held December 26–28, 2010, founder of the department, Qazi Partha Lahiri, M. Ahsanullah, was organized by the Dhaka Motahar Husain. and Nilanjan Chatterjee. University Statistics Department The conference kicked off with A special session, “Classical Alumni Association. an opening ceremony, and S. P. Design of Experiments,” was held in honor of Husain. Rahul Mukerjee of the Indian Institute of Management, Kashinath Chatterjee of Visva-Bharati Meeting Planned in Memory of University, and Shahriar Huda of Kuwait University spoke during the session. Julian Besag More than 100 invited talks A meeting to celebrate the life and work of the late Julian Besag will take place April and 70 contributed talks were 1–2 in Bristol, United Kingdom. All are welcome to attend. presented by researchers from There will be a memorial gathering for Besag, preceded by refreshments and fol- around the world. Four work- lowed by a reception and early evening dinner on April 1. shops on cutting-edge areas of On April 2, a symposium covering some of the areas of statistical science to which statistics also were held. Besag made contributions will take place. Speakers include Peter Diggle, Stephen For more information about Duffy, Leo Held, and Debashis Mondal. A poster session also is planned, to which the conference or to view the contributions are welcome. program, visit www.dusdaa.org/ There is no charge to attend the meeting, other than for the cost of meals, which conference2010/program. For must be ordered in advance. To attend, send an email to [email protected] questions about the conference requesting details be sent when available. Also, make a note if you wish to contribute or workshop or conference mate- a personal reminiscence and/or poster. rials, contact M. Ataharul Islam Updates to the program will be posted at http://sustain.bris.ac.uk/JulianBesag/ at [email protected], Jafar A. memorial. Khan at [email protected], or AHM Mahbub Latif at mlatif@ isrt.ac.bd. n 20 amstat news march 2011 columns

SCIENCE POLICY Putting Americans to Work: The Essential Role of Federal Labor Market Statistics Andrew D. Reamer, The George Washington University

In one of two science policy columns this month relating to jobs and economic growth, Andrew Reamer dis- cusses why a strong federal statistics system is needed to enable labor market participants and policymakers to make well-informed decisions in today’s difficult job market. Reamer provides practical steps to address disconnections between labor market demand and supply that add to unemployment, underemployment, and unfilled jobs. ~ Steve Pierson, ASA Director of Science Policy

ince the onset of the Great Recession, the American labor market has struggled toS regain its footing. Between late 2007 and late 2009, the national unemployment rate more than doubled to 10%, remained close to that level throughout 2010, and recently has begun to decline only because a significant number of people have stopped looking for work. While the civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 16 years and older grew 13% between January 2000 and December 2010, total jobs fell slightly. Private-sector employment is at a level last seen in mid-1999. Large U.S. businesses have rebounded from the recession force needs). They also report dif- foreign businesses and not easily far more quickly. The Wall Street ficulties in finding certain types obtained in lower-wage nations. Journal reports that “fourth- of high-skilled workers. To a substantial extent, gaining quarter profits for the biggest While supporters of the an occupation and a job that pro- U.S. corporations have been recent tech and housing booms vide a middle-class income now exceptionally strong and 2010 is promoted “new normals” that requires workers to have at least poised to deliver the third-best never came to be, the real “new one postsecondary credential full-year gain since 1998.” Major normal” is the increasing discon- (e.g., a certificate from a com- businesses have been buoyed nection between the fate of the munity college) and to regularly by access to low-priced capi- nation’s work force and that of its upgrade their skills in response tal, a capacity to take advantage major corporations. to changing products, processes, of workers and markets across For U.S. workers to gain and and markets. borders, and technology-driven sustain decent jobs, it’s become This means that the nation’s increases in productivity (and clear they must have skills and 140 million job holders, 39 mil- equivalent reductions in work knowledge attractive to U.S. and lion working-age students, and

march 2011 amstat news 21 columns

14.5 million unemployed must participants and policymakers to offer current, accurate, objec- regularly make intelligent choices to see truths and understand the tive, relevant data at all levels of about occupations, career path, likely consequences of irreversible geography, consistent over time education and training, and jobs. expenditures of time and money. and space, and available to labor It means that 24,000 education Unfortunately, labor market market participants regardless of and training organizations need participants and policymakers ability to pay. to figure out the programs, cur- do not have access to the sta- The federal labor market sta- ricula, and number of seats to tistics they need. The lack tistics system is decentralized and offer. It means that the nation’s 6 of current, accurate, detailed idiosyncratic. There are six sets million businesses, to be compet- data enables disconnections of actors—the Bureau of Labor itive enough to offer decent jobs, between labor market demand Statistics (BLS), the Employment need to make good decisions and supply, which adds to unem- and Training Administration, the about business location, hiring, ployment, underemployment, National Center for Education and training. And it means that and unfilled jobs. Statistics, the U.S. Census federal, state, and local work Bureau, the state labor market force policymakers need to wisely Limitations of the information (LMI) agencies, and invest public funds. Existing Federal the state education agencies. Intelligent decisionmaking, Statistical System While offering a large volume in turn, requires access to accu- of valuable data sets, the federal The federal government has a rate statistics on labor market statistical system does not meet major role in providing labor conditions and characteristics. labor market participant and pol- market information, includ- In particular, good data show icymaker needs with regard to the ing statistics, to facilitate deci- the occupational, employment, availability of current, accurate, sionmaking. Only the federal and educational trends and pro- geographically detailed data on government has the capability jections that allow labor market education and training, occupations and skills, employment, and population; easy accessibility and usability of data sets; availability of web-based data analysis tools; and adequate access to technical assistance for data analysis. The system does not meet user needs for the following reasons: • Appropriations requested by departments and OMB and approved by Congress have been inadequate. Top federal funding decision- makers do not sufficiently appreciate that the return on a small investment in federal labor market data (under $1 billion annually) is nearly infinite. • To varying degrees, individual statistical agencies are not sufficiently responsive to the data needs of labor market participants and state and local policymakers, despite the man- date of the Wagner-Peyser Act for a “national employment statistics system” that addresses such needs.

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• A common vision is lack- be responsive to data user needs, 3. Assessment of the economic ing among federal and state and that the system have mecha- and fiscal impacts of labor agencies for a more effective nisms to coordinate among its market statistics—determin- federal labor market statis- federal and state participants. ing the value of labor mar- tics system. The Workforce Consistent with these prin- ket statistics to the economy Information Council (WIC) ciples, the federal government and the public purse should created to fulfill the require- should embark on a major effort provide evidence that sup- ments of Wagner-Peyser to improve the effectiveness of ports investment in the sta- has served primarily to its labor markets statistics tistical system Editor’s Note: This article manage the BLS-LMI por- system. Priority actions include was adapted from 4. Determination by the sec- “Putting America to tion of the system and not the following: retary of labor that the Work: The Essential Role provided the inclusive plan- of Federal Labor Market 1. White House commitment provision of labor market ning and coordination pro- Statistics,” Brookings to a strong federal labor information is a priority— Institution, October cess needed. market statistics system that to achieve well-functioning 2010 (www.brookings. edu/papers/2010/1029_ At the same time, the follow- meets labor market partici- labor markets, it is impera- labor_reamer.aspx). ing elements are present around pant and policymaker needs tive that the secretary fulfill which to build a strong labor responsibilities mandated 2. Expansion of federal market data system: by Wagner-Peyser funding for labor market • Wagner-Peyser provides information—in this time 5. Establishment of an inter- the legal basis for creating of budget constraints, the agency forum for coordi- a data system that serves commerce, education, and nating the labor market sta- labor market participant labor departmental bud- tistics system, one in which and policymaker needs. get offices, the Office of all federal and state partici- Management and Budget, pants are represented—the • Early-stage innovative and Congress should rec- White House should see data efforts that rely on ognize that better statistics that the WIC is either reor- administrative records and are a low-cost, highly effec- ganized or replaced n analysis of web-based job tive means for reducing ads have the capacity to “labor market frictions” transform understanding and unemployment of national and regional labor markets. • The WIC is taking first from just steps toward wider participation and the develop- $495 ment of a common vision for the labor market statistics system.

A New Federal Approach PowerPower and and Sample Sample Size for GroupSize Sequential for Group Trials Sequential Trials In light of persistently high unemployment, the need for ◗ Power and sample size calculations for Two Means test, Two Proportions test postsecondary training and continuing education to sustain a and Log Rank test decent income, and ever-chang- ◗ Choice of four alpha spending functions, O’Brien-Fleming, Pocock, Hwang- ing technologies and markets, the mission of the federal labor mar- Shih-DeCani and more ket statistics system should be to ◗ Plots of boundary values & plots of power vs sample size provide the data needed by labor market participants and policy- ◗ Detail output statement Analysis of Alpha spending and power at each “look” makers to make well-informed decisions. Fulfilling this mission ◗ Special discount prices for nQuery Advisor users requires that the administration request and Congress approve STATISTICAL SOLUTIONS adequate appropriations for the Toll Free 1-800-262-1171 www.nterim.com statistical system, that the system

march 2011 amstat news 23 columns

SCIENCE POLICY Stimulating Economic Growth through Technological Advance Gordon Reikard, Statistician, Leap Wireless

In one of two science policy columns this month relating to jobs and economic growth, Gordon Reikard explores the connection between investment in technology and economic growth, a topic brought to the forefront by President Obama’s State of the Union address that focused on “winning the future” through investment in research, development, and technology. Reikard explains how research and development once dominated the contributions to technological advance and how information technology has become a greater influence in the last few decades. ~ Steve Pierson, ASA Director of Science Policy

explicitly mentioned it. (TFP), which is the residual calcu- Historically, many of the policy lated by subtracting the contribu- debates in Washington have been tions of labor and physical capital about taxes and regulation, and from GDP. In the short run, TFP these debates have often been is volatile, but the fluctuations phrased in terms of the implica- average out over long periods of tions for growth. Unfortunately, time. At lower frequencies or over these debates have tended to side- longer periods, the trend in TFP step the more fundamental issue. measures the rate of technologi- Removing regulatory barriers cal advance. Using the Bureau of and cutting taxes will, in general, Labor Statistics’ estimates, tech- result in a one-time increase in the nical advance has contributed to level of gross domestic product 38% of growth since 1948. (GDP), but not necessarily influ- But there were obvious prob- ence its long-term rate of change, lems with the Solow model. TFP which depends critically on the is, by construction, a residual, rate of technological progress. rather than a direct measure of s the economy moves from One of the most significant technology. In principle, it can initial recovery to more findings in the last 50 years is encompass everything from new sustained expansion, one that a large share of econom- products or better products to ofA the key policy issues is whether ic growth—more than one- process improvements, realloca- more investment in technology third—is driven by technological tion of resources, and increases will boost the growth rate. The advance. This originated with a in efficiency. So, since the 1950s, issue takes on increased impor- seminal 1957 paper by Robert there has been a great deal of tance because the expansion has Solow titled “Technical Change empirical work—much of it by been anemic so far. Looser fiscal and the Aggregate Production economic statisticians—linking and monetary policies successfully Function” that was published in TFP to observed measures of stimulated a recovery from the Review of Economics and Statistics. technology. These studies have 2008–2009 recession, but an Solow demonstrated that capi- ascertained that TFP is highly increase in the rate of technologi- tal and labor accounted for less correlated with patents and cal advance is needed to propel than two-thirds of growth. The indexes of scientific knowledge. the economy into a more lasting remainder was technology. There was a major new expansionary phase. Recent estimates indicate theoretical development in the It is only recently that poli- that, since the late 1940s, about 1980s, when Paul Romer of cymakers have recognized the two-fifths of growth can be attrib- Stanford argued that technologi- relationship between technology uted to technology. The standard, cal advance depended on invest- and growth; President Obama’s broad measure of technological ments in research, or human State of the Union speech advance is total factor productivity capital. Romer’s model implied

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that rates of technical advance speeding up. The causes had to software, leading to faster devel- could fluctuate over longer peri- do with computers and software. opment and better products. ods, which was confirmed by The reason computers and In sum, the role of technol- Romer and statisticians George software had such a powerful ogy in growth is large—about Evans and Seppo Honkapohja influence was that their effect two-fifths—and will continue to in “Growth Cycles,” published was not limited to a single indus- increase in coming years. While in American Economic Review. try. Information technology (IT) R&D has historically comprised Decades such as the 1960s and could generate substantial spill- a significant share of technical 1990s were prosperous because over effects into other sectors. advance, an increasing share is they enjoyed faster rates of tech- Examples include local area net- now coming from computers nological progress. works, computer-aided design and software. Therefore, a two- The strongest empirical evi- (CAD-CAM), electronic bank- pronged approach is needed. The dence, however, was for research ing, Internet retailing, statistical government should adopt a per- and development (R&D), quality control, computerized manent and, preferably larger, tax although even the highest esti- inventory control, and faster com- credit for R&D. It also should mates indicate R&D can account munication of ideas. Industrial allow first-year expensing of all for only a fractional ratio of tech- firms could use computers to computers and software and nological advance. More specifi- reduce cycle times, achieve exempt both the R&D credit and cally, R&D contributed as much fewer defects, control inventory, depreciation deductions from the as 75% of technical advance from and do specialized production alternative minimum tax. roughly 1948–60, and much of runs tailoring manufacturing to In essence, the current period this was propelled by govern- demand. Computers not only of slow growth can be overcome. ment-funded defense research. made industrial processes more If the country commits itself to By the 1960s, however, process efficient, they made research itself investing in technology, the com- improvements in the private sec- more efficient, since R&D could ing decade could be much like tor had largely displaced R&D now be performed with advanced the 1990s. n as the major source of technical advance. During the second wave of high productivity, beginning in the 1990s, R&D contributed only about one-fourth of techno- 2011 ASA Quality and Productivity logical advance and private sector R&D was increasingly more Research Conference important than government- funded research. The estimated elasticities of The conference will be held at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference R&D in the production func- Center, in Roanoke, VA from June 8-10, 2011. tion support this. Over the last decade, the elasticity of industry- At the conference, Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey, Dean of the College of funded R&D has risen to 0.064, Textiles at North Carolina State University, will be honored for his while the elasticity of govern- many contributions in the fields of quality management and business ment-funded R&D has declined to 0.049. So while the combined statistics, and for service to the statistical community. elasticity for all R&D works out to 0.112, industry-funded research Check the conference web site at is having a greater impact. Given http://www.qprc2011.org/ this, governments can realistically expect to raise long-term growth rates through policies such as tax for additional information on the conference program, student credits for R&D. scholarships, registration, accommodations, and short courses. In the early 1990s, many economists were pessimistic Call for Contributed papers: You are invited to contribute papers about the ability to raise growth, for presentation at the conference. Please submit title, authors, and but by the middle of the decade, a short abstract to [email protected]. The deadline for abstract sub- productivity was achieving gains mission is March 28, 2011. not seen since the 1960s. Clearly, technological advance was

march 2011 amstat news 25 26 amstat news march 2011 columns

MASTER’S NOTEBOOK Clinical Trials and Academia: Goodness of Fit Gloria Broadwater, Duke Cancer Institute

he role of a statistician in comprehensive statistical report new statistical procedures, and Duke Cancer Institute’s to the investigators, which participating in a wide variety of Cancer Statistical Center includes statistical methodology tasks each day. In addition, I’m Tis to analyze and interpret clinical as well as results and graphical fond of the sense of respect and trial data with the goal of publish- displays of the data, is one of the appreciation the Duke investiga- ing results in professional medical tasks I relish. I extract data from tors express for my work. journals. Reaching this goal databases, use statistical code in The skills needed to succeed involves several steps in which either SAS or S-Plus, and docu- as a statistician in this academic statisticians are actively engaged. ment statistical programs. Finally, environment include having a The process typically begins I assemble the results and write solid understanding of statisti- when medical investigators con- a comprehensive statistical report cal methods and the ability to sult with me to discuss the goals with interpretation of statistical solve problems. One also must of a clinical trial. I may meet with analysis. This report includes the be accurate, organized, efficient, the investigators alone or receive statistical methods and results responsible, and self-motivated. guidance from a PhD statisti- sections, to be included in the Having the flexibility to work cian. In addition to educating the draft manuscript. The results both independently and as part investigators about good research presented in the statistical report of a team also is valued. practices, I assist the investiga- are explained to the investigators Shortly after graduating with tors in writing the protocol by and act as the foundation for the my master’s degree, I interviewed translating their objectives of the conclusions in the manuscript. for my current job and thought clinical trial into formal statisti- After the investigators prepare it would be a good match for my cal hypotheses. Then, I develop the full draft manuscript, I review interests and career goals. Now, a statistical design for the trial it to ensure the conclusions accu- 16 years later, I’m positive it’s an with statistical justification to test rately reflect the statistical results outstanding fit for me. the hypotheses, including power and critique the entire draft for The highlights of my career calculations and sample size internal consistency and quality. include having the opportunity estimates. A statistical analysis My affection for mathematics to use my strengths and interests plan, including interim monitor- began in the third grade. Some to specialize in specific types of ing guidelines, if necessary, also time during my middle-school cancer, to use an array of statis- is incorporated. years, I decided I would major in tical methodologies, to provide I aid the investigators and math when I attended college. As cutting-edge cancer treatment data managers in determining an undergraduate, I took several information to the community which clinical data elements are statistics courses and decided I through medical journal pub- required to address the hypoth- wanted to pursue a master’s degree lications, and to work with dis- eses of the trial. This process in statistics. I was doing what I tinguished colleagues in both may involve creating and review- loved: learning and statistics. the medical and statistical fields, ing data entry forms. After the I enjoy working as a statisti- which broadens my knowledge trial opens and begins to accrue cian in a cancer center for several every day. n patients, I extract the data stored reasons, including unveiling inno- in study databases and provide vative medical advances to people an interim monitoring report in the community who are bat- SIAM E-Books Now Available per protocol guidelines. During tling cancer and allowing them Browse books in the ASA-SIAM Series on this phase of the trial, I provide and their doctors make informed Statistics and Applied Probability online when quality assurance and resolve any decisions concerning treatment, your institution’s library subscribes to or data discrepancies. the opportunity to work with purchases an access plan. The next phase of the pro- brilliant PhD-level statisticians cess occurs when the trial meets who are willing to provide guid- Encourage your librarian to visit www.siam. its accrual goal. Providing a ance and take time to teach me org/books/ebooks.php for details.

march 2011 amstat news 27 columns

STATtr@k Recent Graduates Offer Advice to Undergraduates Beth Chance, Statistics Professor, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Wade Herndon: Getting Ready for Graduate School

Wade Herndon is a graduate student in statistics at Colorado State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in statistics from Cal Poly in 2008. His research focuses on analysis of complex surveys such as semiparametric models for survey data under informative sampling.

Take as Many Advanced Math Classes as Possible The best advice I can give an undergraduate in statistics looking to pursue a graduate degree in statistics is to take as many advanced math classes as possible. Most statistics graduate students I’ve encountered have a background in math. Take a Combination of Applied and Theoretical Statistics Courses The most useful statistics classes, in my experience, have been probability theory, estimation and sampling theory, mathematical statistics, and applied regression analysis. A solid background in applied statistics enables you to confidently tackle future Cal Poly is a public, primarily un- applied statistics problems encountered in school or dergraduate university on the central even while consulting in industry. coast of California. It has a separate Gain as Much Programming Experience statistics department with approxi- as Possible mately 40 majors, as well as minors I believe it is also important to take advantage of and double majors, which allows un- every opportunity to gain programming experience—in any language—whether during an intern- dergraduates to prepare for a variety ship, working on a project, or in a class. of careers. Here, three recent gradu- Have the Right Attitude ates offer their advice to students as Like everything else, you get out of it what you put they consider graduate study in statis- into it, so a willingness to work and a good attitude tics, a job in industry, and a teaching are indispensable. credential program.

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Saba Abuhay: Want versus Need in Consulting

Saba Abuhay began work in business analysis in information systems at Amgen after graduating from Cal Poly in 2010. Her job responsibilities include gathering and com- municating business requirements prior to production.

Keep Developing Your Nontechnical Skills How to have the conversation that defines the wants and needs of a client was one of the most important things I learned in my undergraduate program. I was fortunate that my program required me to take a consulting course designed to teach me how to integrate my technical knowledge with communica- to go back and see from a new perspective the dif- tion techniques to assess the underlying reason for ferent ways introductory statistics is being taught. a client’s needs. By effectively using the “want versus need” conversation techniques I learned, I have Be Familiar with the History of Statistics been able to reduce frustration caused by misunder- and Statistics Education standings and to provide higher quality work to my Read David Salsburg’s The Lady Tasting Tea. clients. Consequently, having an effective commu- This book outlines the story of statistics and will nication style in addition to a technical background enhance your passion for the discipline. If not has made me a more valuable employee. already an option, talk to your professors about While technical knowledge is important, hav- starting a seminar for students and any interested ing the ability to relate to people and communicate faculty to read and discuss research articles about effectively is also critical. Most importantly, relax teaching statistics. n and don’t forget to have some fun occasionally as you pursue your career goals.

Michelle Shaffer: Preparing to Teach Save the Date Michelle Shaffer is enrolled in the teaching The ASA announces the inaugural credential program at Cal Poly. She earned her bachelor’s degree in statistics from Cal Conference on Statistical Practice Poly in 2010 and looks forward to teaching high-school and AP statistics. Innovations and Best Practices for the Applied Statistician February 16-18, 2012 Tutor, Grade, Observe, Reflect on Orlando, Florida Introductory Statistics Classes By tutoring and grading, you will gain a better under- For more information, visit standing of how students learn, recognize common www.amstat.org/meetings/csp/2012. misconceptions, and practice using various methods for explaining statistical ideas. Look back at your own introductory statistics classes. Think about how you American Statistical Association Conference on learned, what activities helped you, and what concepts you struggled with. If available, do your class- STATISTICAL PRACTICE room observations in a high-school class. It’s good 2012

march 2011 amstat news 29 statistician's view

A Note from the Director, Division of Mathematical Sciences at NSF Sastry G. Pantula

t is an exciting time to be at DMS [Division of New Opportunities Mathematical Sciences] at NSF [National A recent MPS [Mathematical and Physical Science Foundation]. It is a great place to work, Sciences] Advisory Committee (MPSAC) work- andI a place where research and diversity THRIVE! ing group made a strong case for support for basic Here, I would like to focus on three items: my goals, research and provided several examples of how new opportunities, and the budget at DMS. basic research from the past helped develop many useful inventions (like laser, GPS, cell phone, My Goals PET scans, …). The working group report states, My first goal is to see that mathematical, statistical, “Support for basic research is an essential part of This article was the NSF mission.” Also, “A successful innovation originally written and computational sciences THRIVE, not just sim- for Notices, the ply survive, at DMS. Second, I would like to diver- strategy requires significant investments across NSF membership jour- sify our work force and broaden the participation core programs.” DMS intends to continue its sig- nal of the American at all levels of training. Finally, I would like DMS nificant support for basic research in core areas of Mathematical Society, and will to be the best place to work for a diverse group of mathematics and statistics. In addition to the basic appear there in the energetic researchers and program assistants. research, data-enabled science (DES), computing April 2011 issue. THRIVE, here, is an acronym. I hope that: science, grand challenges in cyberinfrastructure, THematic (core) and multidisciplinary Research is and multidisciplinary research play a very impor- well funded and that our research has a high Impact, tant part of DMS activities. Prior to my arrival at is very innovative in solving major societal issues, and NSF, our previous NSF director signed a memo is highly Visible. Finally, we want to Educate future from which I quote: “NSF should create a program researchers, problemsolvers, and critical thinkers. in Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Our communities can help in making our excellent Engineering (CDS&E) …” and “CDS&E is now contributions visible to the public and show how clearly recognizable as a distinct intellectual and we are the backbone for innovation. Articles writ- technological discipline lying at the intersection of ten to news media and magazines in other sciences, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, Math Awareness Month, Mathematical Moments, core science, and engineering disciplines. It is dedi- and Statistical Significance are some examples of cated to the development and use of computational activities that help with the visibility of our profes- methods and data mining and management systems sions. Also, we eagerly await the reports from a NAS to enable scientific discovery and engineering inno- [National Academy of Science] study called Math vation.” Massive and complex data are here to stay Sciences 2025. Please visit www8.nationalacademies. and [to] provide [a] diverse set of opportunities for org/cp/projectview.aspx?key=49237 to provide feed- both theoretical and applied areas of computational, back on this project. mathematical, and statistical sciences. I hope to work with our communities to diver- In March 2010, an MPSAC working group on sify our work force (students, postdocs, faculty, and DES wrote in its report that, “Mathematics and statistics lie at the intersection of all quantitative fields leadership) and support broadening participation engaged in DES, through the power of their abstrac- at all levels. Hopefully, with your help, DMS pan- tions, and they swiftly convey breakthroughs in one els and program officers represent diversity, as well. field into related ones.” The working group recom- Finally, I hope to be remembered as someone who mended obtaining significant funds to support DES was fair to all our programs and valued the con- research through CAREER awards, work force devel- tributions of each person in all divisions at NSF. I opment in understanding and inference with massive plan to build on the harmony that exists and make and complex data, and provide REU supplements for DMS an attractive place for a diverse group of folks DES training. See www.nsf.gov/dir/index.jsp?org=MPS who love to come to DMS to serve our professions. and “A Report of the NSF Advisory Committee for DMS (www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=DMS) has sev- Cyberinfrastructure Task Force on Grand Challenges” eral positions open in various programs now. to learn more about CDS&E. This task force report recommends support for research programs

30 amstat news march 2011 statistician's view

in “advances in discretization methods, solvers, looking forward to the outcomes of the solicitations optimization, statistical methods for large data sets, on research networks and for institutes. In spite of and validation and uncertainty quantification” and receiving a large number of high-quality proposals, training of “the next generation of data-scientists who success rate for research funding is below 30%. Thus, can work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers we are unable to fund many excellent proposals. On in high-performance computing, mathematics, sta- the other hand, we can’t fund proposals that are never tistics, domain-specific sciences, etc.” submitted! It is encouraging to see our communities’ In addition to the above, multidisciplinary hard work, in getting more of our students to apply activities related to research at the intersection of to NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, is yielding biological and mathematical and physical sciences positive results. We also encourage applications from (BIO-MaPS), math-bio initiatives with NIGMS, a diverse group of students from every institution, threat reduction with DTRA, math and geosciences not just from a select few, to apply for math sciences (CMG), energy and sustainability (SEES), data and post-doctoral research fellowships. visualization (FODAVA), and Cyberinfrastructure We are under continuing resolution for FY11 bud- for 21st Century (CIF21), among many others, pro- get until March 4, 2011, and we remain optimistic vide opportunities for our communities. In order to about both FY11 and FY12 budgets. Investment in surf the data tsunami and work in multidisciplinary research is a key to innovation and for economic com- teams, we need to train our students in core, competitiveness. It has no political boundaries. Statistical, putational, and communication skills. mathematical, and computational sciences have an impact on all other sciences, and other sciences in Budget at DMS turn have an impact on our basic research. Typically, DMS invests 70% of its budget to sup- Thank you in advance for your support to achieve port disciplinary research, predominantly through our common goals. As you advance the frontiers of individual grants. Of this, about 10% is invested in our disciplines, please also take advantage of opportu- multidisciplinary activities. About 15% is invested nities to solve our future societal challenges in health, in work force–related activities, 10% in math sci- climate, energy, sustainability and security, among ences institutes, and 5% on other activities. We are many others. Keep up the great work! n

march 2011 amstat news 31 awards and deadlines

Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award Deadlines and Contact Information for ASA National The Excellence in Statistical Awards, Special Lectureship, COPSS Awards Reporting Award is given to encourage and recognize mem- April 1, 2011 Pam Craven bers of the communications ASA Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship [email protected] media who have best displayed an informed interest in the science of statistics and its role in public life. The award can be given for a single statistical pre- April 1, 2011 Nominations: Pam Craven sentation or for sustained wor- ASA Outstanding Statistical Application Award [email protected] thy contributions. Visit www.amstat.org/ Questions: Petrutza C. Caragea [email protected] careers/excellenceinstatistical reportingaward.cfm for information and a nomination form. April 1, 2011 Nominations: Pam Craven If you have questions, contact ASA Edward C. Bryant Scholarship [email protected] Denise Lievesley, committee chair, at denise.lievesley@ Questions: Kimberly S. Weems kcl.ac.uk. [email protected] Nominations should be sent to Pam Craven in the ASA office at [email protected] or 732 April 1, 2011 Nominations: Pam Craven ASA Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award [email protected] N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, attention Award Questions: Denise A. Lievesley Nominations. The nomination [email protected] deadline is April 1. Mu Sigma Rho April 1, 2011 Nominations: Pam Craven ASA Samuel S. Wilks Memorial Medal [email protected] Mu Sigma Rho, the national honor society for statistics, Questions: Daniel Zelterman would like to invite academic [email protected] institutions to nominate their outstanding teaching faculty for the 2011 Mu Sigma Rho Statistical Education Award. The recipient must have evi- Edward C. Bryant • Applied experience in sur- dence of excellence in classroom vey statistics teaching in statistics and a life- Scholarship time devotion to statistics educa- Members of the Edward C. • Performance in graduate tion. Each academic institution Bryant Scholarship Committee school is allowed one nomination per are accepting applications for the The award recipient will year. In the event that more than Edward C. Bryant Scholarship be presented with a certificate one nomination is received from award, which is given to an and $2,500 at the August Joint a single institution in a year, outstanding graduate student Statistical Meetings in Miami only the first will be considered. studying survey statistics to help Beach, Florida. Any college or institution may support his or her education. Applications and letters nominate a potential recipient, The committee chooses the of recommendation must be regardless of whether the insti- recipient using the following received by April 1. Visit tution has an active Mu Sigma criteria: www.amstat.org/education/ Rho chapter. ecbryantscholarship.cfm or Each nomination should • Potential to contribute to include a cover letter, the survey statistics email [email protected] for an application. nominee’s curriculum vitae, a

32 amstat news march 2011 awards and deadlines summary of the nominee’s teach- Questions regarding this award Samuel S. Wilks ing and educational activities, can be emailed to Seymour at Memorial Medal and at least three letters support- [email protected]. ing the nomination. At least two The Wilks Memorial Award is of these letters should come from Outstanding Statistical bestowed upon a distinguished present or former students and Application Award individual who has made sta- at least one should come from a tistical contributions to the The Outstanding Statistical colleague of the nominee. advancement of scientific or Application Award was established The deadline for submission technical knowledge, ingenious to recognize the authors of papers of nominations is May 1. In application of existing knowl- that demonstrate an outstanding the event that a nominee is not edge, or successful activity in the application of statistics in any sub- selected for the 2011 award, the fostering of cooperative scientific stantive field. Visit www.amstat. efforts that have been directly nomination will remain active org/careers/outstandingstatistical for three years after the initial involved in matters of national applicationaward.cfm for nomina- submission, unless the institu- defense or public interest. tion information. tion chooses to put forward Visit www.amstat.org/careers/ Questions may be sent to another nominee. samuelwilksaward.cfm for Petrutza Caragea, committee Nomination materials can nomination information. chair, at [email protected]. be sent to Lynne Seymour, Questions may be addressed Nominations should be sent to University of Georgia, 204 to Daniel Zelterman, committee Pam Craven in the ASA office Statistics Building, 101 Cedar chair, at daniel.zelterman@yale. at [email protected] or 732 St., Athens, GA 30602. edu. Nominations should be sent N. Washington St., Alexandria, The recipient of the award to Pam Craven in the ASA office VA 22314, attention Award will be notified on or before at [email protected] or 732 Nominations. The nomination June 15 and will be presented a N. Washington St., Alexandria, deadline is April 1. plaque during JSM in August. VA 22314, attention Award Nominations. The nomination deadline is April 1. n

Survey ichigan Courses in Survey Research Techniques June 6 – July 29, 2011 www.si.isr.umich.edu

64th annual Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan For more information: Phone (734) 764-6595,2011 Toll-Free (877) 880-9389

march 2011 amstat news 33 people news

Obituaries Ronn A. Andrusco Bea Shube Submitted by Velma Andrusco Submitted by Tom Ryan

Ronn Andrusco, 61, passed Beatrice (Bea) Shube was away December 18, 2010, in born April 13, 1921, and Houston, Texas. passed away on December 5, Cochran Andrusco was born 2010. She was a New York Submitted by Roxy Peck in Winnipeg, Manitoba, City native. Canada, on March 15, 1949. Bea began working for Mu Sigma Rho, the National He earned his bachelor’s of John Wiley and Sons, Inc. honor society for statistics, science in mathematics, mas- shortly after graduating from presented its 11th Statistical ter’s degree in statistics, and Brooklyn College and retired Education Award to James J. teaching certificate from the in 1988. She was the editor of Cochran of Louisiana Tech University of Manitoba. Of the statistics series and guided University. This award recogniz- parallel interest and achieve- the publication of such books es excellence in undergraduate ment was his career as a as Draper and Smith’s Applied or graduate statistical education professional freelance violist, Regression Analysis and Box, at the institutional, regional, or performing with the National Hunter, and Hunter’s Statistics national level. Ballet of Canada, Kitchener for Experimenters. Cochran has been recognized Waterloo Symphony Googling “Beatrice Shube” nationally and internationally Orchestra, Hamilton brings up entries of her name as an outstanding teacher, cre- Philharmonic Orchestra, preceded by words such as ative and innovative educator, Edmonton Symphony “indefatigable,” “the patient and leader in efforts to enhance Orchestra, Brantford encouragement of,” and “we the quality of statistics educa- Symphony Orchestra, and are deeply indebted to.” She tion at all levels. He founded many other southern Ontario was a hands-on editor and the INFORMS International orchestras. He was often the only one who's told me Read about Teaching Initiative and has invited to be a clinician and to be sure to let her know if your colleagues chaired teaching effectiveness staff member at summer I encountered any problems colloquia through this initiative and friends in music camps. He also was an when putting my book into in Uruguay, South Africa, avid sports fan, particularly of production. the news. Go and Colombia. baseball, hockey, and football. Shube was elected a Several of Cochran’s former to www.amstat. Andrusco’s interests in Fellow of the ASA and students wrote letters in support org and click on both baseball and statistics American Association for the of his nomination. Typical of “Statisticians in led him to make many close Advancement of Science. these letters, one student wrote, friendships with the baseball She was fond of telling the News.” “I have seen a great many teach- ers who feel that it is their job to community in Wheeling, a story about how a Nobel merely present information to West Virginia. After many Prize winner once dusted off their students and view it essen- years as a statistician with a chair for her before she sat tially as a one-way communica- the Government of Ontario down. Having known her tion. Professor Cochran sees his Health Department, he pur- for 25 years, I would say that role as more of an enabler. He sued a teaching career with such consideration was well- possesses the knowledge, and the Toronto District School deserved. I was in regular he does whatever he can, using Board, culminating with four contact with her during the every resource at his disposal, to complete years of service with last few years of her life and, provide his students with the the Houston Independent although she had a painful tools to achieve understanding. School District at Westside health condition, she generally Professor Cochran has that rare High School. It was in sounded upbeat. She was a combination of technical exper- Houston that he found his good friend whom I will miss. tise and the ability to express it greatest fulfillment, enjoying in terms that his students can to the fullest its people, food, comprehend. He is truly a gifted culture, and politics. individual in this respect.” n

34 amstat news march 2011 section • chapter • committee news sectionnews Biometrics 15. The nomination may be submitted via email as a PDF document (preferred) or as a Word file. If The Biometrics Section is pleased to support a new submitted in hard copy, send the original and five initiative by Jane Monaco and Amy Herring, titled copies. Submit nominations to Ron McRoberts, “Raising Interest in Biostatistics Careers Among U.S. Forest Service, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, Miami High-School Students.” A component of the MN 55108; [email protected]. For detailed infor- project is the development of an online “base” presen- mation and to read the criteria for these awards, tation that explains the field of biostatistics, including visit the section news department online at http:// the educational expectations and job opportunities. magazine.amstat.org/?cat=17. The project capitalizes on the presence of many leading biostatisticians at the 2011 ENAR Spring Meeting To view in Miami, Florida, March 20–23. Survey Research Methods The section also needs volunteers to be session section news in chairs during JSM. If you are interested in chairing The webinar series brought to you buy the ASA its entirety, visit a session, contact Tianxi Cai, 2011 JSM Biometrics Survey Research Methods Section and the American http://magazine. Association for Public Opinion Research is going Section program chair, at [email protected]. amstat.org. For detailed information about the section’s strong for its second year. In April, the webi- activities, visit the section news department online nar “Reconsidering Mail Survey Methods in an at http://magazine.amstat.org/?cat=17. Internet World” will be given by Don Dillman of Washington State University. Dillman is recognized internationally as a major contributor to the devel- Quality and Productivity opment of modern mail, telephone, and Internet survey methods. March 28 is the deadline to apply for the Quality Past webinars are available at http://eo2. and Productivity Section’s Mary G. and Joseph commpartners.com/users/amstat. For more infor- Natrella Scholarship. The scholarship will support mation about the program, visit www.amstat.org/ participation of two students at the Quality and sections/srms/webinar_archive.cfm. For details about Productivity Research Conference in Roanoke, Dillman’s webinar, visit the section news depart- Virginia, June 8–10. Application is open to full-time ment online at http://magazine.amstat.org/?cat=17. students currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at an accredited college or university who have a demonstrated interest in the application of statistics to quality and productivity. Further information about the scholarship can be found at www. amstat-online.org/sections/qp/Natrella_Scholarship. chapternews html. Information about the conference is available at www.qprc2011.org. For more about the section, visit the section Chicago news department online at http://magazine.amstat. The Chicago Chapter is hosting a short course, org/?cat=17. titled “Regression Modeling with Many Correlated Predictors,” presented by Jay Magidson of Statistical Innovations and Tony Babinec of AB Analytics on Statistics and the Environment April 8 at the Rush University Medical Center in The ASA Section on Statistics and the Environment Chicago, Illinois. For more information and to regis- (ENVR) is seeking nominations for the ENVR ter, visit www.chicagoasa.org/Workshops/e040811.htm. Distinguished Achievement Award and for the ENVR Young Investigator Award. Both awards are given in recognition of outstanding contributions San Francisco Bay Area to the development of methods, issues, concepts, The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is host- applications, and initiatives of environmental sta- ing a short course, titled “Bayesian Inference, tistics. Successful nominees will receive their awards Prediction, and Decision-Making II,” presented by during the ENVR business meeting and reception David Draper on April 16 at the Airport Marriott at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Miami, Florida, Waterfront in San Francisco, California. For more in August. Nominations must be received by March information and to register, visit www.sfasa.org. n

march 2011 amstat news 35 calendar of events

Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of The following events are the latest additions to the ASA’s online calendar of Southampton, Southampton, events. Announcements are accepted from education and not-for-profit organi- International SO17 1BJ, UK; zations only. To view the complete list of statistics meetings and workshops, visit +44 2380595117; doe@ www.amstat.org/dateline. southampton.ac.uk. * Indicates events sponsored by the ASA or one of its sections, chapters, or committees November 7–11—18th Annual Biopharmaceutical Applied Statistics Symposium (BASS XVIII), Savannah, Georgia 2011 July For information, visit http://bass. 5–8—2011 International georgiasouthern.edu or contact Conference for Health Ruth Whitworth, P.O. Box 8015, March Statistics in the Pacific Islands Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public (ICHSPI-2011), Suva, Fiji Health, Georgia Southern University, 25–26—2011 Conference of Statesboro, GA 30460-8015; Texas Statisticians, College For details, visit www.statsoc.org.au/ PacificHealth or contact Mark Griffin, (912) 478-7904; bass@ Station, Texas georgiasouthern.edu. For information, visit www.stat. University of Queensland, Brisbane, tamu.edu/cots2011/index.html International 4006, Australia; +61 To view or contact Elaine Washington, 448 176 926; [email protected]. the entire list Department of Statistics, Texas December of statistics A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3143; (979) 845-3143; August 4–9—67th Annual Deming meetings and [email protected]. Conference on Applied workshops, visit 1—Call for Interested Experts: Statistics, Atlantic City, www.amstat. Kauffman Roundtable on New Jersey Establishment Surveys, San For more information, visit www. org/dateline. May Antonio, Texas demingconference.com or contact Walter Young, 16 Harrow Circle, 23–27—Journées de For details, visit www.kauffman.org and look for the January 2011 Data Wayne, PA 19087-3852; (610) 989- Statistique, Tunis, France 1622; [email protected]. For details, visit http://jds2011. Maven blog post or contact E.J. tn.refer.org or contact Avner Bar- Reedy, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas Hen, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, City, MO 64110; (816) 210-9461; Paris, International 75006, France; [email protected]. +33 1 44 27 66 60; avner.bar-hen@ 2012 mi.parisdescartes.fr. 21–25—32nd Annual Meeting of the International Society July of Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB), 16–18—International Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Symposium in Statistics (ISS) June For more information, visit www. 2012 on Longitudinal Data iscb2011.info or contact Marie 22–24—Spring Research Analysis Subject to Outliers, Lanouette, 1200 Montreal Road, Conference on Statistics in Measurement Errors, and/ Building M-19, Ottawa, Ontario Industry and Technology, or Missing Values, St. John’s, K1A 0R6, Canada; +1 613-993-9228, Evanston, Illinois Newfoundland, Canada [email protected]. For more information, visit http:// For details, visit www.iss-2012- src2011.iems.northwestern.edu 30–9/2—Designed stjohns.ca or contact Brajendra or contact Bruce Ankenman, Experiments: Recent Advances Sutradhar, Elizabeth Ave., St. John’s, Department of Industrial in Methods and Applications, Newfoundland A1C5S7, Canada; Engineering and Management Cambridge, United Kingdom (709) 864-8731; bsutradh@ Sciences, Evaston, IL 60208; For details, visit www.newton. mun.ca. n (847) 491-5674; ankenman@ ac.uk/programmes/DAE/daew04. northwestern.edu. html or contact Dave Woods,

36 amstat news march 2011 professional opportunities

District of Columbia Professional Opportunity listings may not exceed 65 words, plus equal opportu- n Small biostatistical firm (www. nity information. The deadline for their receipt is the 20th of the month two statcollab.com) involved in medical research and consulting seeks a months prior to when the ad is to be published (e.g., May 20 for the July issue). biostatistician to perform project coor- Ads will be published in the next available issue following receipt. dination, data analysis, SAS program- Listings are shown alphabetically by state, followed by international listings. ming, and report writing. Applicants Vacancy listings may include the institutional name and address or be identified should send cover letter (include Ref: by number, as desired. ASA-BIO-1101), résumé, writing sample, Professional Opportunities vacancies also will be published on the ASA’s web- a sample computer program, and tran- site (www.amstat.org). Vacancy listings will appear on the website for the entire scripts (both graduate and undergradu- calendar month. Ads may not be placed for publication in the magazine only; all ate) by email ([email protected]), fax ads will be published both electronically and in print. (202) 247-9701, or snail mail: Statistics Rates: $320 for nonprofit organizations (with proof of nonprofit status), $475 Collaborative, Inc., 1625 Massachusetts for all others. Member discounts are not given. For display and online advertising Ave., NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC rates, go to www.amstat.org/ads. 20036. www.statcollab.com. EOE. Listings will be invoiced following publication. All payments should be made to the American Statistical Association. All material should be sent to Amstat News, 732 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1943; fax (703) 684- Florida 2036; email [email protected]. n University of Florida, IFAS - Statistics, Employers are expected to acknowledge all responses resulting from publica- opening for assistant/associate professor, tion of their ads. Personnel advertising is accepted with the understanding that starting as early as July 1, 2011. PhD in the advertiser does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of race, sex, statistics or related field with teaching religion, age, color, national origin, handicap, or sexual orientation. and applied collaborative research inter- Also, look for job ads on the ASA website at www.amstat.org/jobweb. ests required. Review began February 15, 2011, and continues until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ufl.edu and submit application, cover letter, and vita. Send transcript and three recommendation letters to: P.O. Box 110339, Gainesville, FL 32611-0339. EOE.

Kansas n The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine seeks a highly The Department of Biostatistics and the Translational and Clinical Sciences In- qualified candidate in biostatistics to join stitute (TRACS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are seeking a the department of biomedical and health non-tenure track Research Assistant or Research Associate Professor. This informatics. We are seeking an individual individual will collaborate with biomedical researchers on diverse projects span- ning clinical trials, observational studies, and population science research and will with interest in translational research, engage in independent methodological research. TRACS is funded by an insti- clinical trials, health outcomes, genomics, tutional grant from the NIH and provides campus wide support to researchers and/or bioinformatics. This is a full-time pursing innovative interdisciplinary studies, including but not limited to the UNC faculty appointment (1.0 FTE) with rank Medical, Nursing, and Dental Schools. Applicants should hold a PhD in biostatis- commensurate with experience. Send tics or statistics, and possess good communication skills. requests for information to tuftsj@umkc. edu. UMKC is an equal opportunity/affir- To apply, use the electronic submission website at http://jobs.unc.edu/2500791 and upload PDF versions of your CV, cover letter, and research and teaching statements. mative action institution. Candidates must also arrange for three letters of recommendation to arrive via email at [email protected] and subsequently in hard copy to:

Iowa Betsy Seagroves n ACT, Inc. in Iowa City, IA, is seeking Department of Biostatistics CB #7420, McGavran-Greenberg Hall a principal research associate to indepen- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill dently perform or lead validity and/or Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7420 statistical research, propose and develop innovations to support ACT products and This position will remain open until filled. services, and advise ACT management on The Gillings School of Global Public Health is actively committed to diversity. We strongly encourage technical issues. Requires a PhD in applications from women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

march 2011 amstat news 37 statistics or educational research and 7 years of related statistical research experience. Please view the complete posting and apply online at www.act.org. EOE.

Massachusetts n The University of Massachusetts Amherst has a tenure-track position in biostatistics starting September 2011. Minimum requirements are terminal degree (PhD, DrPH) and evidence of research and teaching potential. Review of applications began February 15. Send curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and three letters to Carol Bigelow, #R40642, 402 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9304. cbigelow@ schoolph.umass.edu. EOE.

Mississippi n Biostatistician II. The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Collaborate with clinical and scientific investigators in design, analysis, and publication of

38 amstat news march 2011 biomedical research. Minimum requirements: master's degree in statistics, biostatistics, or directly related field and three (3) years of data analysis experience using STATA, SAS, or R platforms, or PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or directly related field. No other equivalents. Additional information, apply online, see www. umc.edu. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is an EOE, M/F/D/V.

Missouri n The School of Medicine and the Center for Applied Statistics at Washington University invite applications for a post- doctoral position supporting an NCI- supported project. Candidates should possess a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or the equivalent and have good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Submit a CV, letter, and three letters of reference to Sue Tuhro (stuhro@ artsci.wustl.edu). We especially encourage applications from women and members of under-represented minority groups. Washington University is an equal opportunity employer. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.

New Jersey n Supervisor Respiratory OverRead- ERT does technology with a purpose - to improve and save lives by setting the industry standard in cardiac safety drug research. Managing daily operations of the Respiratory OverRead department, will lead clinical specialists performing analysis on pulmonary function data in accordance with contracted process for each study. Minimum 5+ years pulmonary function testing/related experience. Apply online at www. brightmove.com/ATS/PortalView Requirement.do?reqGK=175534. Educational Testing Service is an EOE.

New York n The schools of business at Fordham University invite applicants for a tenure- track assistant professor position in managerial decisionmaking for fall 2011. Candidates must have received an earned doctorate in statistics, decision sciences, or a related field or expect the PhD by start date. All applications should be sent to Robert Wharton at [email protected].

march 2011 amstat news 39 Biostatistician At H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, every member of our team is focused on our lasting commitment to the prevention and cure of cancer. Moffitt is a Comprehensive Cancer Center as designated by the National Cancer Institute and is the home of the largest Blood and Marrow Transplant Center in the Southeast United States. The Biostatistics Core at Moffitt Cancer Center seeks a full-time Biostatistician to provide statistical support to Cancer Center researchers, analyze and interpret statistical data, especially for clinical trials, epidemiological and bioinformatics-related research, summarize the results for manuscripts, support Biostatistics Core faculty research and collaborations, and perform statistical programming and database consulting. A Masters degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, or a related degree is required. One to five years of statistical experience in a medical research background is preferred. Previous experience in cancer research, advanced knowledge of SAS, and knowledge of S-Plus, R or MATLAB is highly desirable. As a Moffitt employee, you will receive personal rewards including competitive salaries, an outstanding lifestyle benefit package, flexible scheduling, on-site child care, educational assistance and more. Our employees also take advantage of all that Tampa Bay has to offer – picturesque Gulf beaches, family- friendly attractions, professional sports teams, cultural events, and no state income tax! Please visit www.moffittcareers.org to apply online for Biostatistican, Req ID#7013.

Moffitt Cancer Center provides a tobacco-free work environment, is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer and a drug-free workplace.

40 amstat news march 2011 Fordham University is located in New York City and is AA/EOE.

North Carolina n The UNC Department of Biostatistics is seeking applications for one nontenure- track research assistant or research associate professor to collaborate with cancer researchers on grants, cancer genomics, clinical trials, population science research, and other cancer-related research and to engage in independent methodological research. Applicants should hold a PhD in biostatistics or statistics,and possess good communication skills. For more information, visit http://jobs.unc.edu. University of North Carolina is an AA/EOE.

Ohio n Product Management Analyst - Independence, OH. 3–5 years experience, four-year college degree—preferably in statistics, mathematics or finance— required. Master's preferred. Responsible for obtaining and evaluating information that supports revenue growth and profit- ability. Analyzes information using data manipulation, correlation, and statistical analysis. SAS and analytical experience a must. Please apply to www.farmers. com JOB ID 24020. Farmers Insurance Company is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to the strength of a diverse work force. n Biostatistician. Cleveland Clinic is hiring a biostatistician for quantitative health sciences for the Lerner Research Institute. This position will provide statistical expertise in study design and data analysis to investigators/researchers interested in con- ducting clinical or experimental studies. Master's degree in biostatistics, statistics, or related field required. For more information, visit www.clevelandclinic-jobs. com/job/Cleveland-Biostatistician-Job- OH-44101/944614/EOE. EOE. n Assistant Associate Professor Statistics. An earned PhD in biostatistics or statistics, or an earned doctorate in a closely related field with significant course work in biostatistics or statistics at time of appointment. Also requires demonstrated experience in biomedical related collaborations involving such areas as the analysis, study design, and the supervision of

march 2011 amstat news 41 The ASA’s Popular Web-Based Learning Program Is Now Available Chief, Surveillance Systems Branch Surveillance Research Program Division of Anytime Cancer Control and Population Sciences Anywhere The National Cancer Institute, located within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is accepting applications for the position of Chief, Surveillance Systems Branch (SSB) to provide leadership for this program that researches and reports public health data. SSB manages the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, an authoritative population-based system of cancer data collection and reporting. The Branch conducts research and de- velopmental activities related to the surveillance of cancer patterns in the United States in order to monitor progress against cancer. It also conducts analyses, and provides interpretation of the data. SSB actively consults with Enjoy previously recorded other government, private, and public organizations; prepares regular re- web-based lectures on an ports, geographical summaries, and journal articles; and responds to many on-demand, pay-per-view requests for information on national cancer statistics. The Branch includes basis. a Quality Improvement team that conducts studies to evaluate the quality and completeness of registry data, and promotes adherence to national and international standards. Each two-hour webinar features top statisticians SEER has served as a premier resource for decision-making related to can- discussing their cer for over 30 years. The challenges of the next decade include changes specialties. in infrastructure, resources, and policy. For example, we anticipate expansion of information technology systems for data management and Available topics include: eHealth applications and continued development of a national cancer surveillance enterprise, working through partnerships with both public and private organizations. Bayesian clinical trials Stratified analysis The successful candidate must have experience in biostatistics, management of multi-center research studies, and organization of collaborative biomedi- Survey research cal research. Of particular interest are the candidate’s achievements within professional or other collaborative organizations through participation in methods and leadership of goal-oriented groups and committees. Experience in epidemiology, operations research, and cancer research is not mandatory but Please visit www.amstat. desired. Analytic skills are required, as demonstrated by published articles org/learnstatondemand in peer-reviewed journals. Knowledge of computer systems and software for the full catalog and development is desirable, but not required. This position is subject to a to register. background investigation and U.S. citizenship is required. Salary $123,000 - $155,500. Located in Rockville, MD, near Washington, DC. Excellent benefits. DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Please send a cover letter briefly summarizing your experience and interests along with your CV to Judith Swan at [email protected]., Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute, 301-435-4958.

http://seer.cancer.gov/ http://surveillance.cancer.gov/

42 amstat news march 2011 data management. Complete details available at www.uakron.edu/jobs. Requisition #006089. University of Akron is an EEO/AA. >ciZgY^hXêa^cVgn6hh^hiVci$ 6hhdX^ViZEgd[Zhhdg7^dhiVi^hi^Xh" Pennsylvania n Possible tenure-track, lecturer, visiting 9ZeVgibZcid[=ZVai]HX^ZcXZhVcYE]VgbVXnEgVXi^XZ positions. Collegial environment empha- sizing disciplinary and cross-disciplinary I]Z7djk8daaZ\Zd[=ZVai]HX^ZcXZhViCdgi]ZVhiZgcJc^kZghîn^ckîZhVeea^XVi^dch[dgVcZl ^ciZgY^hXêa^cVgn[VXjainedhî^dc^cW^dhiVi^hi^Xhlî]Veg^bVgnVeed^cibZci^ci]Z9ZeVgibZcid[ research and teaching. All areas of statis- =ZVai]HX^ZcXZh!hiVgi^c\^cHZeiZbWZg'%&&#I]Z8daaZ\Z^hgZXgjî^c\VW^dhiVi^hi^X^VcVii]Z6hh^hiVci tics welcome. Joint appointments possible dg6hhdX^ViZEgd[ZhhdgaZkZaidXdcig^WjiZidgZhZVgX]VcYdi]ZghX]daVganVXi^kî^Zhlî][VXjain^ci]Z 9ZeVgibZcihd[=ZVai]HX^ZcXZhVcYE]VgbVXnEgVXi^XZ!VcYidiZVX]^ci]ZBVhiZgÉhd[EjWa^X=ZVai]VcY with other units100 lpi in the Pittsburgh area. di]ZgVXVYZb^Xegd\gVbh#I]^hedhî^dcbVnWZZî]ZgiZcjgZ"igVX`dgcdciZcjgZ"igVX`!YZeZcY^c\dci]Z See www.stat.cmu.edu (email: hiring@stat. fjVa^[^XVi^dchd[i]ZXVcY^YViZVcYi]ZZmiZciidl]^X]i]ZXVcY^YViZYZh^gZhid[dXjhdcVc^cYZeZcYZci gZhZVgX]V\ZcYV#DjihiVcY^c\iZcjgZY[VXjainlâaVahdWZXdch^YZgZYlî]i]Zdei^dcd[dWiV^c^c\iZcjgZ cmu.edu). Send CV, research papers, rel- jedcZcign# evant transcripts, and three recommenda- LZVgZhZZ`^c\Zci]jh^Vhi^XXVcY^YViZhlî]ZmiZch^kZZmeZg^ZcXZ^cWdi]^cYZeZcYZciVcY$dg tion letters to Faculty Search Committee, XdaaVWdgVi^kZejWa^X]ZVai]gZhZVgX]!^cZe^YZb^dad\^XVcY$dg^ciZgkZci^dcgZhZVgX]#I]Z9ZeVgibZci^h XdcYjXi^c\Xjii^c\"ZY\ZgZhZVgX]dcX]gdc^XY^hZVhZVcYdWZhîn!e]nh^XVaVXi^kîn!bZciVa]ZVai]!]ZVai] Statistics, CarnegieSCREEN Mellon University, Y^heVgî^ZhVcYjgWVc]ZVai]lî][jcY^c\[gdbWdi]i]ZC>=VcY[djcYVi^dch#I]ZXVcY^YViZh]djaYWZ Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Application VWaZidldg`lî]VY^kZghZ\gdjed[[VXjain]Vk^c\kVgn^c\egd[^X^ZcXnd[gZhZVgX]YZh^\cVcYhiVi^hi^XVa bZi]dYh#I]ZXVcY^YViZh]djaY]VkZZmeZg^ZcXZVcYhigdc\fjVa^[^XVi^dchidiZVX]\gVYjViZXdjghZh^c screening begins immediately, continues W^dhiVi^hi^Xh#>cVYYî^dcidXdaaVWdgVi^kZldg`lî]7djk8daaZ\Z[VXjain!i]ZXVcY^YViZlâa]VkZVXXZhh www.stat.cmu.edu idXdaaZV\jZh^ci]ZIj[ihJc^kZghîn8a^c^XVaVcYIgVchaVi^dcVaHX^ZcXZ>chiîjiZIj[ih8IH>#I]ZIj[ih until positions closed. . 8IH>^hVcC>="[jcYZYXdaaVWdgVi^dcVXgdhhc^cZCZl:c\aVcY]dheîVah!i]gZZjc^kZghî^ZhVcY7dhidc Women and minorities are encouraged to VgZVXdbbjcîn\gdjeh#HiV[[ZYWnhX^Zci^hih!^cXajY^c\W^dhiVi^hi^X^VchVcYZe^YZb^dad\^hih!i]Z>chiîjiZ egdk^YZhXdgZhjeedgi[dg^ckZhi^\VidghVieVgi^XêVi^c\^chiîji^dch^cYZkZadebZciVcY^beaZbZciVi^dcd[ apply. AA/EOE. i]Z^ggZhZVgX]egd_ZXih#

GZhedch^Wâî^Zh^cXajYZ/ n University of Pittsburgh, tenure-track &Ejghj^c\Vc^cYZeZcYZcigZhZVgX]V\ZcYV# joint assistant professor position in 'EVgi^XêVi^c\^cXdaaVWdgVi^kZ^ciZgY^hXêa^cVgngZhZVgX]iZVbh# department4.875” x 9.75” of statistics and department (IZVX]^c\\gVYjViZXdjghZh^cW^dhiVi^hi^XhVcYYZkZade^c\cZlXdjghZhVhcZZYZY# FjVa^[^XVi^dcgZfj^gZbZcih/ NOTES SIZE I]ZXVcY^YViZlâaWZZmeZXiZYid]VkZ/VYdXidgViZ^cW^dhiVi^hi^XhdgVXadhZangZaViZY[^ZaY[gdbVcVXXgZYîZY ^chiîji^dc0gZXdgYd[^cYZeZcYZciVcYXdaaVWdgVi^kZgZhZVgX]^cXajY^c\\gVcihbVch]êVcYeZZg"gZk^ZlZY ejWa^XVi^dchXdbbZchjgViZlî]ZmeZg^ZcXZ0VcY\gVYjViZiZVX]^c\ZmeZg^ZcXZ^cW^dhiVi^hi^Xh#GZhZVgX] VcYegd\gVb$eda^XnZmeZg^ZcXZ^cXdbbjcîn!ejWa^X]ZVai]dgdi]ZgcdcVXVYZb^XhZii^c\h^hVahdYZh^gVWaZ# >chiîji^dcVaZck^gdcbZci/ 7djk8daaZ\Z^hdcZd[h^mXdaaZ\ZhViCdgi]ZVhiZgcJc^kZghînVcY^h]djhZY^ci]ZcZl7Z]gV`^h NORC conducts high quality social science =ZVai]HX^ZcXZh8ZciZg#I]Z8daaZ\Z!Xdbeg^hZYd[i]gZZhX]ddah!Cjgh^c\!E]VgbVXnVcY=ZVai] research in the public interest from its head- Egd[Zhh^dch!egZeVgZhhijYZcih[dg]ZVai]hX^ZcXZXVgZZgh^cc^cZjcYZg\gVYjViZVcY'.\gVYjViZ bV_dgh#I]ZXdbegZ]Zch^kZVggVnd[h`âah!ZmeZgi^hZVcYegd[Zhh^dchegZhZci^ci]Z7djk8daaZ\Zd[ quarters at the591081 University of Chicago and =ZVai]HX^ZcXZhVgZdcan[djcYVi[Zldi]Zg^chiîji^dch#I]Z7djk8daaZ\Z]VhVhigdc\V[[â^Vi^dclî] from its offices in Chicago, IL, Washington, i]ZIj[ihJc^kZghîn8a^c^XVaVcYIgVchaVi^dcVaHX^ZcXZ>chiîjiZ# DC, Bethesda, MD, and Berkeley, CA.

I]Z9ZeVgibZcid[=ZVai]HX^ZcXZh^h]dbZidCdgi]ZVhiZgcÉhcZlBVhiZgÉh^cEjWa^X=ZVai]egd\gVb IO # ^cJgWVc=ZVai]#I]^hZmXî^c\cZlegd\gVb^h\gdl^c\VcYhZZ`hVW^dhiVi^hi^X^VcidXdbeaZbZcii]Z We conduct research in economics, demo- ZmXZaaZci^ciZgY^hXêa^cVgn[VXjain#>cVYYî^dci]Z9ZeVgibZciXdch^hihd[VcjcYZg\gVYjViZegd\gVb graphics, education and child development, ^c=ZVai]HX^ZcXZhVcYVBVhiZgÉhegd\gVb^c:mZgX^hZHX^ZcXZh#I]Z9ZeVgibZci^hZc]VcXZYWni]Z health, substance abuse, mental health, egZhZcXZd[i]Z>chiîjiZdcJgWVc=ZVai]GZhZVgX]VcYi]Z8ZciZg[dg8dbbjcîn=ZVai]:YjXVi^dc justice, and survey quality both in the U.S. GZhZVgX]VcYHZgk^XZ88=:GHÄVcZildg`d[&*VXVYZb^X]ZVai]XZciZgh^c7dhidc#I]ZHX]ddad[ E]VgbVXn^h]dbZidV9dXidgd[E]VgbVXnE]Vgb#9#egd\gVb#;VXjain^ci]Z9ZeVgibZcid[E]VgbVXn and internationally. We offer full-service EgVXi^XZeZg[dgbe]VgbVXnhZgk^XZhVcYdjiXdbZhgZhZVgX]VcYdi]ZghX]daVganVXi^kî^Zh^cXdaaVWdgVi^dc survey designAMSTAT (Am Statistical As) and operations as well as lî]VcjbWZgd[VXjiZVcYVbWjaVidgnXVgZ]ZVai][VXâî^Zhi]gdj\]djii]Z7dhidcVgZV!^cXajY^c\bV_dg strengths in analysis, information technol- iZVX]^c\]dheîVahVcYVcZildg`d[8dbbjcîn=ZVai]8ZciZgh8=8h# ogy, and technical assistance. NORC supports the research needs of government in 7ffb_YWj_edickijX[ikXc_jj[Zed#b_d[Xol_i_j_d]j^[Fheleijm[Xi_j[Wj the U.S. and abroad, international donor ^jjf0%%mmm$dehj^[Wij[hd$[Zk%fheleij%\WYkbjo%fei_j_edi$^jcbWdZYb_Ya_d]ed V7YY[iiM!VcYVc69K6C8:^chiîji^dc#B^cdgî^Zh!ldbZc! VcYeZghdchlî]Y^hVWâî^ZhVgZhigdc\anZcXdjgV\ZYidVeean#Cdgi]ZVhiZgcJc^kZghînZbWgVXZhi]ZlZVai]d[Y^kZghîn Chicago, IL or Washington, DC offices. To gZegZhZciZY^cdjgXdbbjcînVcYhZZ`hidZc]VcXZîViVaaaZkZah# learn more about NORC and to apply for employment, visit our website at: http://www.norc.org/careers

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer ^jjf0%%mmm$d[k$[Zk that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce.

march 2011 amstat news 43 of psychiatry (primary in department of statistics). Involves statistical research, collaboration with psychiatric researchers, and teaching in department of statistics. Need strong research, consulting, teaching, and computing skills. Send CV, transcripts, 3 recommendation letters: Search Committee (SP), Statistics, 2717 Statistician, Tenure-Eligible or Tenure-Track Investigator Position, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health CL, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh and Human Services (DHHS) PA 15206, or [email protected]. Review until filled. The University of Pittsburgh The Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB, http://dceg.cancer.gov/reb, Chief, Dr. Martha is an affirmative action, equal opportu- Linet), a component of NCI’s intramural Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), is recruiting a statistician to develop an independent research program focusing on nity employer. Women and members of development of statistical models that incorporate dose uncertainties, that provide cancer minority groups under-represented in aca- risk projections for low-dose exposures, that can be used to estimate radiation-induced demia are especially encouraged to apply. lifetime risks, that quantify the effect of key modifiers on radiation-related cancer risks, or that provide mathematical formulations of biological models for radiation carcinogenesis.

Current REB research includes studies of late effects of radiological diagnostic examina- Utah tions, radiotherapy, occupational exposures, or nuclear fallout from above-ground tests, n The department of mathematics at military sources (Japanese atomic bomb survivors) or radiation accidents (Chernobyl). REB is also evaluating late health effects of new radiation technologies in medicine including the Utah Valley University seeks applicants estimation of doses, extremely low-frequency and radio-frequency electromagnetic field for a tenure-track position beginning fall exposures, and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, REB studies are examining gene-radiation 2011. Statisticians in all specialty areas are interaction in studies of breast and thyroid cancer, etiologic and genetic studies (including genome-wide association studies) of brain tumors and thyroid cancer, and the development encouraged to apply; however, applicants of various strategies for reconstructing historical radiation doses of medical radiation work- whose area of emphasis is biostatistics ers and populations exposed to environmental, military, and accidental sources of radiation will be given special consideration. A exposure. Challenges for the statistician include modeling the excess relative and absolute PhD is required. Screening will begin risk as a function of dose, evaluating the modifying effects of dose-rate and type of radiation, addressing effects on risk estimates of uncertainties from complex dosimetry systems, de- mid-March. Detailed information on veloping appropriate analytic approaches for special study designs, identifying and describ- application procedures can be found at ing gene-environment interaction, and developing strategies to identify true associations in www.uvu.edu/employment. Utah Valley genome-wide scans for disease-producing genetic variants. REB investigators are encouraged to collaborate with scientists in other parts of the DCEG, including members of the University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Biostatistics Branch and the Human Genetics Program. Opportunity/ Equal Access Employer. Candidates must have a doctorate in biostatistics, statistics, mathematics or a related discipline (with additional post-doctoral experience in statistics). They must have at least two Washington years of post-doctoral research experience and an established record of publications that demonstrates their ability to apply cutting edge, appropriate statistical models and analyze n Senior biostatistician to provide clinical and interpret data from radiation epidemiology studies. They should also have knowledge trial services for the Northwest's lead- of and demonstrated capacity to apply state-of-the-art statistical and epidemiologic methods in at least one of the following areas of research: risk assessment, measurement (dosim- ing CRO. Responsibilities: reviewing etry) errors, genetic susceptibility in relation to radiation carcinogenesis, or mechanisms of protocols, case report forms, performing radiation carcinogenesis. Collaboration with epidemiologists, dosimetrists, health or medi- sample size calculations, writing statistical cal physicists, radiologists, and laboratory investigators is central to the success of our re- analysis plans, developing and produc- search. Candidates must document the strong verbal and written communication skills that will be required to write effective research papers, present work at scientific meetings, and ing interim and final reports, overseeing convey information clearly to staff, collaborators, consultants and contractors. Candidates must also be sufficiently experienced to function independently, both in the development of their own research efforts and in the mentoring and supervision of less experienced investigators. Appropriate office space and resources will be provided.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with research experience and accomplishments, and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health insurance, life insurance, and a thrift savings plan) is available. Candidates may be eligible for the NIH Loan Looking for a Repayment Program (http://www.LRP.NIH.gov ). This position is not restricted to U.S. citizens. Interested individuals should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, brief summary of research interests, experience and future plans, copies of no more than 5 selected publications and three letters of reference to: Job? Ms. Judy Schwadron Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics National Cancer Institute 6120 Executive Blvd., Room EPS 8073 Visit the ASA JobWeb—a Rockville, MD 20852-7242 targeted job database and Email: [email protected] résumé-posting service. The closing date of the advertisement is April 15, 2011. A completed package of your application is required in order to be considered for this position. www.amstat.org/jobweb DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers

44 amstat news march 2011 production and presentation of data monitoring committee reports and ana- lyzing data for regulatory submissions. Fax or email a cover letter and résumé to (206) 547-4671, or hr@axioresearch. com. Reference job number #10-05-113. Axio values a diverse workplace. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

International n The department of mathematics and actuarial science invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at an assistant or associate professor level in the field of statistics or actuarial science, beginning September 2011. The candidate is expected to teach and conduct research in statistics or actuarial science and play an active role in the department, the school, and university service activities. Apply URL: https://aucegypt. interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp? JOBID=22878. American University in Cairo is an EOE. n

march 2011 amstat news 45 46 amstat news march 2011 Looking for aJOB?

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48 amstat news march 2011 SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. © 2011 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.66872US.0111 JMP® Statistical Discovery. From SAS. Exploratory Data Analysis | Design of Experiments | Business Visualization | Interactive Data Mining Visual Six Sigma | Modeling | Quality Improvement | Reliability | Statistics | Analytical Application Development

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