… Learning from the Experiences of Others
I’m a new member of the ASA, having joined in 2019. With an MS in animal science, I’ve worked with animal science research for 25+ years, primarily at universities and branch research stations. In 2008, I started AG Research LLC, providing research support on a freelance basis to academic, industry, and nonprofit clients. I live in rural Montana and remote work is sometimes the only option for continuing a research career. While I enjoy all aspects of a research project, I find the statistical analysis the most rewarding. A couple of years ago, I started taking online courses toward earning a graduate certificate in applied statistics.
Working remotely means I needed to find a way to keep in contact with other researchers and statisticians. Over the years, I had taken some workshops where Nora Bello was an instructor and reached out to her with questions. She was kind enough to reply and suggested I join the ASA. I like the way sections are organized by area of interest and joined the Consulting Section. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Isabella Ghement started a biweekly Zoom meeting for consultants to support and encourage each other. The topics of the discussions vary and have been a great way to stay connected and learn from the experiences of others.
There is another way I have been encouraged by being a member of the ASA and that is through a column in Amstat News (Stattr@k, June 2019). In this issue, author Jillian Payne described how hiring managers desired candidates who have a background in art or music in addition to being skilled data scientists. This creativity helps with problem-solving. I am also a fiber artist and enjoy weaving but had been afraid to admit this to some of my science colleagues. After reading this article, I realized I didn’t have to be and have enjoyed the “Pastimes of Statisticians” articles. I have also discovered many other fiber artists with scientific training.
Allison Grove is a statistician and scientific writer at AG Research LLC, Freelance.
This series features ASA members who share their ASA stories. Our mission is to collect authentic and meaningful accounts of member experiences. If you have a story you would like to share, email the ASA’s marketing project manager, Kim Gilliam.
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