Bob Rodriguez of SAS (left) and Dean Dan Solomon at the celebration of
the 25th anniversary of the GIT program
mentors Hale Sweeney and Helen Bhattacharyya. Their idea—to
place students at local companies to get hands-on experience and
work in teams with excellent mentors—was simple, but powerful
and visionary.
Ever since, companies have enjoyed fresh talent and the satisfac-
tion from training problemsolvers for the future. The department
has benefited from graduating well-trained students and using
the program as a tool to recruit outstanding graduate students. It
continues to be a win-win-win program for all involved—student,
company, and the department.
The program works successfully in many settings. Over the past 25
years, many companies and organizations have participated, includ-
ing Becton Dickinson, Quintiles, PPD-Pharmaco, SAS, EPA, Inspire
Pharmaceuticals, Rho Inc., Triangle Pharmaceuticals, CIIT, Family
Health International, and Cuddy Farms.
Student participation is also broad, including master’s, PhD,
U.S., and international students. During the first decade, more
than 40 students participated. Currently, 15–20 graduate students
participate each year. Sometimes a student works for one year;
other contracts are renewed for multiple years. Some GIT oppor-
tunities have led to dissertation research and long-term research
collaboration with students and faculty.
How It Works
A company manager (usually a statistician) identifies a project and
the need for GIT help. He/she then contacts the directors of gradu-
ate programs (DGPs) with a brief description of the project and the
Buffy Hudson-Curtis tells the audience that she “received training on
qualifications needed by the trainee. The DGPs identify a short list interacting with scientists and working as a consulting statistician.”
of potential matches, and the manager interviews the candidates She added, “I learned the importance of analyzing data and present-
and selects the best person(s) for the position. A simple contract
ing results in a client-friendly way.”
FEBRUARY 2008 AMSTAT NEWS 5
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