PRESidEnt-ElEct 2009
Sastry G. Pantula
W
ho needs statistics? According to my departmental to promote unity and effectiveness of effort among all concerned with statistical
T-shirt, which I wear as I write, the answer is “Everyone problems, and to increase the contribution of statistics to human welfare without
from Agronomists to Zoologists, including YOU!” Everyone prejudice toward any person or group.” I will enhance the financial stability and
needs statistics. And, everyone needs statisticians. You know it. membership of the ASA.
I know it. Do your neighbors know it? Getting more people to
As Treasurer of the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) and member
understand the importance of statistics and providing a more
of local committees of the Statistical and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute
powerful voice to statisticians are vital, not just for the advance-
(SAMSI), I have been inspired by the collaboration among academic, government,
ment of our profession, but for the betterment of society.
Sastry G. Pantula and industrial statistical scientists, who are working together to solve problems of
As ASA president, I will pursue four main strategies: importance to our society. It has been exciting to see both NISS and SAMSI grow.
1. Speak actively and strategically on behalf of our profession. I will work within the
As ASA treasurer, it has been a pleasure to learn from my time on the board; to see
ASA and with other organizations to ensure statisticians are “at the table,” devel-
board members come together across sectors; to work first-hand with several past
oping solutions and advocating the views of our discipline in a timely manner.
and present presidents and vice presidents as they put their hearts and energy into
realizing their vision for the ASA; to work with the ASA leadership and excellent
Now is an exciting time to be a statistician and a member of the ASA! We lead in
staff through the purchase and renovation of our new building, hiring a new
training problemsolvers of tomorrow and addressing the societal issues of today:
executive director, and growing our assets. The ASA will enjoy the fruits of our
energy and environment; health care, social security, and the economics of our
past leaders’ efforts for many years to come.
safety net; voter and population counts; product quality; business analytics; and
gene therapy. As Karl Pearson wrote, “statistics is the grammar of science.” We
Now is the dawn of the age of massive data. Come, let’s go out and work to
drive and enhance the quality of research in all fields. We must focus our resources
ensure all our neighbors understand the power and importance of statistics and
to effectively engage and educate the general public and opinion leaders globally.
statisticians!
2. Work tirelessly in the ASA’s interests. The shifting landscape of our publi-
Present Position: Head, Department of Statistics; Director, Institute of Statistics,
cations, meetings, and research directions need immediate attention. As a life
NC State (2002-Present); Assistant, Associate, Full Professor, NC State (1982-
member of the ASA, I am prepared to work hard for our association and increase
Present) www4.stat.ncsu.edu/~pantula
opportunities for our members to do the same. It will be an honor to work Former Positions: Director of Graduate Programs, NC State (1994–2002);
for—and with—you! Visiting Statistician, SEMATECH (1990–1991)
The ASA has new opportunities to engage internationally, and to embrace engage- Degrees: PhD, Statistics, Iowa State (1982); BStat and MStat, Indian Statistical
ment from our diverse membership. Through past leadership positions within the Institute (1974–1979)
ASA, I have seen the enthusiasm of our member volunteers. As we develop a new
Fields of Major Statistical Activities: Time series, linear models, quality
strategic plan together, your involvement (chapters, sections, task forces, editorial
control
boards, and committees) will be pivotal. Together, we can continue to enhance the
quality and readership of our journals, increase the effectiveness of our meetings,
Publications: Applied Regression Analysis: A Research Tool (1998); “My Trip to
and build stronger relationships among academia, government, and industry.
the Hill,” Amstat News (2007) and Notices (2008); “Determining the Order
of Differencing in AR Processes,” JBES (1986, 2002); “Nonlinear Regression
3. Lead within the rich and diverse infrastructure of our profession. With the
with Variance Components,” JASA (1992); “Testing for Unit Roots in Time
help of the board; SPAIG; Committee on Minorities; Caucus for Women in
Series,” Econometric Theory (1989). Publications also appeared in The American
Statistics; Caucus of Academic Representatives; and other committees, associa-
Statistician, Biometrics, Biometrika, Journals of Applied Probability, Econometrics,
tions, chapters, and sections, I will accelerate our work to improve training at all
Multivariate Analysis, Statistical Planning and Inference, Time Series Analysis,
levels and improve diversity and mentoring across all sectors of our membership.
Sankhya, and Survey Methodology
With the help of policymakers and other organizations, I will work to enhance
federal funding for research and training and to see our agencies, institutes, and
ASA Activities and Offices Held: Business and Economics Section—JSM
departments thrive.
Program Officer (2000), Publications Officer (2001–2004), Chair-elect
(2007); Fellow (2002); COPSS Award Committee (2002–2005); Youden
With formal training from the Indian Statistical Institute and Iowa State, and
Award Committee (2004–2006); ASA Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair,
informal continuing education during 25 years at NC State, I have developed a
Audit Committee Chair, Budget Committee, Planning Committee, Executive
great appreciation for interdisciplinary research and a strong foundation in math-
Committee, Board of Directors (2005-Present); Associate Editor, The American
ematical statistics. I have gained invaluable knowledge while spending sabbatical
Statistician (1987–1993); Associate Editor, JBES (2001–2006)
time and teaching in industry. Through a decade in departmental leadership roles,
I have worked to strengthen and broaden student training (VIGRE, industrial/
Related Professional Activities: Coeditor, Sankhya (2000–2002); Associate
EPA traineeships) and participation in the ASA, improve diversity among faculty
Editor, Statistics and Probability Letters (2002–2007); Editorial Board Member,
and students (StatFest, Pipeline Workshop, Infinite Possibilities Conference),
Journal of Statistical Theory and Practice (2007-Present); NSF panels and site visits;
and increase mentoring opportunities for junior faculty and students. By working
SAA-PAMS Department Head Award (2005); IISA Young Statistician Award
together, across sectors, there are opportunities to train effective and socially
(2002); Mason Faculty Award (2001); NCSU Outstanding Teacher Award (1986);
conscious graduates and enhance continuing education for others.
Member of IMS, ISI, ENAR, IISA, ICSA, Phi Kappa Phi, SIAM, Sigma Xi,
and Mu Sigma Rho; Board Member, Follow the Child Montessori (2003–2005);
4. Keep our “eyes on the prize.” I will direct my experience, energy, and enthusiasm
NISS Treasurer (2004-Present)
to help the ASA achieve its stated objectives: “to foster statistics and its applications,
MARCH 2008 AMSTAT NEWS 11
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