Statistics in Defense and National Security
Speakers Program Introduced, Ellner Honored
Aparna V. Huzurbazar, Los Alamos National Laboratory
H
ave you ever wondered what kind of statistical research
helps keep our nation safe from biological attacks or helps
officials understand terrorist networks? Are you interested
in learning what a defense statistician’s job is like and what kinds of
problems they face? If so, read on.
The ASA Section on Statistics in Defense and National Security
(SDNS) has implemented a speakers program so experienced
researchers can help answer these questions and others. Statisticians
working in defense and security are available to come speak at your
college or university to describe their work and share their enthusi-
asm for this important field.
What Is the Speakers Program?
The speakers program facilitates visits by expert speakers to aca-
demic institutions for a presentation and discussion. The program
aims to foster communication between statisticians and familiarize
students with the role of statisticians in defense and national secu-
rity. Speakers may discuss topics including biosurveillance, cyber
defense, military force structure, and distributed sensor networks.
Why Request a Speaker?
Paul Ellner at the 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award Ceremony
Through the speakers program, students and faculty will get insight
into a field to which they might otherwise have little exposure.
weapons statistics reliability assessment. The methodology Ellner
Academic statisticians at host institutions can familiarize themselves
codeveloped has been successfully applied to the assessments of
with current research issues in defense and security. Throughout
multiple DOE-Army nuclear warhead sections.
their interaction, students and faculty will be introduced to a new
As an AMSAA analyst, Ellner went on to develop multiple
point of contact in this sector that could lead to new opportunities
models and statistical methodologies to improve Army and
for internships, employment, or other career opportunities. The
Department of Defense (DoD) reliability growth and reliability
SDNS speakers are dynamic, engaging, and eager to share their
testing programs. Because of his outstanding technical skills and
unique research with others.
contributions in the area of statistics, he was selected for positions
of significant technical responsibility, which came to include chief
How Do I Request an SDNS Speaker?
of the Reliability Methodology Office and technical expert for the
SDNS maintains a list of volunteer speakers from across the coun- Reliability Analysis Branch. In these positions, Ellner developed
try at www.amstat.org/sections/sdns/speakers.html. Host institutions statistical and reliability analysis methodologies for improving the
may request a speaker from this list by contacting the SDNS reliability of multiple weapon systems, advanced computer models
Speaker Committee via the web site. Additionally, SDNS will reim- used by multiple government organizations and private sector firms,
burse academic institutions up to $500 for expenses related to the and innovative approaches for multiple Army and DoD project
speaker visit. But don’t wait too long to apply, as funds are limited managers and contractors that have substantially contributed to the
and given on a first-come, first-served basis through April 2009. improvement of their weapon system reliability programs. Ellner
Speakers are available throughout the 2008–2009 school year, so has had a long and distinguished career and been recognized as a
please contact us to plan your seminar today. leading technical expert in statistics and reliability throughout the
Army, DoD, academia, and the private sector. SDNS is honored to
Distinguished Achievement Award
give him this award.
The section is proud to announce that the 2008 Distinguished The award was presented at JSM 2008 during the SDNS-
Achievement Award was given to Paul Ellner of U.S. Army Materiel sponsored session “Statistics in Defense and National Security:
Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA). Ellner was nominated by Past, Present, and Future,” which is a special session in honor of
David E. Mortin, also of AMSAA. this award. The awards committee included Aparna Huzurbazar
Ellner earned his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in mathematics from (chair), Myron Katzoff, and Max Morris. The committee encour-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He joined AMSAA in 1979 and, ages nominations for next year and strongly encourages those who
within his first year, became the coordinator of the Department nominated members to resubmit their nominations, as the nomi-
of Energy (DOE)-Army methodology working group on nuclear nations are not automatically carried forward. n
OCTOBER 2008 AMSTAT NEWS 59
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