Three stats award wins. What are the odds?

Three major national awards were presented to University of Waterloo researchers at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC) held at the University of Guelph from June 3 to 6.

Bei Chen received the 2011 Pierre Robillard Award, a prize that "recognizes the best PhD thesis in probability or statistics defended at a Canadian university" in a given year. His thesis was entitled "“Linearization Methods in Time Series Analysis” and was written under the supervision of Bovas Abraham and Yulia Gel.

Professor Changbao Wu of the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, was the 2012 winner of the CRM-SSC Prize. The award, given annually by the Centre de recherches mathématiques (Montréal) and the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC), recognizes "a statistical scientist's professional accomplishments in research during the first fifteen years after earning a doctorate." According to the award's citation, Professor Wu received recognition “For his extensive and influential contributions to the theory and application of survey methodology, notably for the development of pseudo- empirical likelihood methods for the analysis of data arising from complex survey designs involving stratification and multiple frame sampling; and for proposing an inferential framework of importance to the practice of statistics in Canada.”

Finally, professors Geoffrey Fong, David Hammond, and Mary Thompson were the 2012 recipients of the Lise Manchester Award. This award is given biannually by the Statistical Society of Canada in commemoration of the late Dr. Lise Manchester's "abiding interest in using statistical methods to study matters of relevance to society." The award recognizes excellence in statistical research that considers problems of public interest and which is potentially useful for formation of Canadian public policy. The three researchers were awarded "for their work using rigorous survey research methods and policy evaluation designs as part of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project, and for their collaboration in Canada with government agencies, all of which has resulted in a direct and marked influence on Canadian legislation and policy regarding tobacco use, and which has influenced leaders in over twenty countries worldwide with respect to tobacco policies that include smoke- free initiatives and regulations on packaging.”

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Venture Fund win escalates digital signage

a news release from the Conrad Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Centre

Enterprise Co-op student Douglas Lusted (right) has received $25,000 in the VeloCity Venture Fund competition for his startup venture, WestonExpressions.

Ten finalists were chosen to pitch at the VeloCity Venture Fund competition on Thursday June 7, 2012. Of the 10 finalists, 4 were awarded $25,000 each.

Douglas’ startup venture is WestonExpressions which advertises in a revolutionary way: by designing escalator handrails that are composed of multiple flexible digital screens, showing advertisements in high traffic areas such as airports and subway stations to millions of consumers every day. Through an experienced team of engineers, the digital handrails are equipped with a software system designed to change advertisements on a time-line basis, customized for target customers. With an innovative safety mechanism that notifies riders to pay attention prior to entering and exiting the escalator, WestonExpressions creates a safe and creative product, turning a current sunk cost of escalator handrails into a high profit generator. The flexible digital handrail is expected to be ready for market in early 2013.

Douglas Lusted started his venture in the Enterprise Co-op program during the Winter 2012 term. His hard work and determination has accelerated the development of his business and he has participated in many pitch competitions with great success. Douglas will be returning for another E Co-op term in Fall 2012 to continue development of his venture.

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Glen Weppler named housing director

"The hiring process for the Director, Housing is complete and I am very excited to announce that Glen Weppler (left) has accepted the role," writes Chris Read, Associate Provost (Students).

"Glen brings with him a wealth of experience/knowledge from his leadership involvement in the student housing field over the past 14 years. He has served the last 4 years as Director, Student Community Life at Ryerson University. In this position, he oversaw Student Housing Services, Student Life Programs, Ryerson’s Tri-Mentoring Program and International Student Services. Glen has also had experience at University of Guelph and Georgian College. His positive attitude and passion for student success will be a great fit with Housing and Residences and the uW campus community. We’re excited to have him join our team."

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the process, including the hiring panel of Jennifer Ferguson, Melissa McNown-Smith, Gail Hansen Cunningham from Housing and Residences and Michelle Hollis and her team from Human Resources," concludes Read.

Weppler begins on July 16.

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