Jim Cochran, professor of applied statistics and the Mike and Kathy Mouron Chair was the recent recipient of the W. J. Dixon Award for Excellence in Statistical Consulting from The American Statistical Association.
The W. J. Dixon Award for Excellence in Statistical Consulting was established to recognize outstanding contributions to statistical consulting and to honor the memory of Dixon. The award is given to a distinguished individual who has demonstrated excellence in statistical consulting or developed and contributed new methods, software, or ways of thinking that improve statistical practice in general. The citation reads, “For statistical consulting on a grand scale through his work with Statistics Without Borders; the many international organizations he has provided with pro bono consulting services; and the numerous journalists he has assisted with data collection, analyses, and interpretation.”
Cochran, who was also recently named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, received the Dixon award in recognition of the pro bono work he has done in various developing nations (Cuba, Grenada, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mongolia, Fiji, The Gambia, and Cameroon).
“Statistical consulting is ultimately about using what we understand to help others address problems that matter and find solutions that work for them,” Cochran said. “I have been very fortunate to work with people around the world who have trusted me to contribute to their efforts. Helping them find those solutions has been extraordinarily gratifying, and I am deeply grateful for these opportunities and to the American Statistical Association for recognizing that work.”