An analytical training consultant for SAS, George brings over three decades of experience to his teaching position– along with the fresh perspective and enthusiasm of just joining the SAS family two years ago. He was doing stats before pocket calculators were invented (literally!) and still manages to stay one step ahead in the classroom because of his passion for learning and genuine belief in what SAS software can deliver. Check out George’s story and also be sure to read the rest of the SAS loves stats series as we focus on the International Year of Statistics.

What do you do at SAS?
I joined SAS in 2011 as an Analytical Training Consultant in the Statistical Training and Technical Services department of the SAS Education division.  I teach advanced analytics using Enterprise Miner and Forecast Studio, as well as a Probability Surveys course.  Depending on the situation, these courses can be taught through a live Web classroom, at an on-site location or as part of an analytics conference training session. I also test new software features, revise course materials and serve as technical editor to new SAS training courses.

What’s your educational background?
After earning my BS in agriculture in Sri Lanka, I attended Texas A&M where I received an MS in genetics and a PhD in plant breeding and biometrics.  Although my degrees are not in statistics, I took all the SAS-based applied statistics courses offered.  Some earlier jobs that paved the way to SAS were as lecturer at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, a research scientist at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center in Taiwan;  a professor of applied statistics at the University of Nevada and a director at the Center for Research Design and Analysis, also at the University of Nevada. Over my career, I have published more than 70 journal papers, a CDROM on SAS macro applications for data mining, and a book entitled Statistical Data Mining Using SAS Applications.

I’m proud to work at SAS. As I look back, I can attribute the successful transitions in my career over the last 30 years to my continuously expanding knowledge of statistics and experience with SAS software. Also, my collaboration with SAS users and employees – by networking and helping to organize several sessions at SAS Global Forum between 2005 and 2010 – has been instrumental.

What about statistics appeals to you?
The vital ingredient behind any scientific discovery is the application of statistical methods to test a hypothesis and to make accurate predictions.   A case in point for me was also a career highlight. Using SAS software and statistical procedures, I discovered a much simpler way of calculating a Maximum Weight Limit, which closely corresponds to weight recommendations listed on BMI charts. But, you don’t need to calculate or know your BMI, nor do you need a chart or online calculator to figure out your Maximum Weight Limit. This helps people better understand when weight is compromising their health. I was able to successfully determine this with the help of SAS/STAT and GRAPH software. In addition to presenting findings at that year’s SAS Global Forum, I was glad to hear that three TV stations in the Reno area and more than 100 Web sites covered the story.

Can you comment on the importance of statistics in education?
In the academic world, application of valid statistical methods is necessary to complete an MS thesis and PhD dissertation, as well as get work published in a peer-reviewed journal. Teaching graduate students applied statistical methods courses using advanced statistical software such as SAS is fundamental to their success.  At the University of Nevada in Reno, I initiated five SAS-based applied statistics courses in the early 1990s and have been training graduate students in diverse disciplines for the last 25 years. During this period of time, I also served on more than 150 MS and PhD dissertation committees combined, offering statistical advice on a variety of research projects.  Training in statistical computing helps these students to be competitive in the job market and in career advancement.

What advice would you give to students studying statistics today?
I would advise students to take applied statistics computing courses using SAS software, and to make use of all the resources available to them on the SAS Student Ambassador Program site. In my SAS programming courses, I also encourage students to apply for SAS Student Ambassador Scholarships, and present papers at SAS regional and global conferences. Many of my graduate students have successful careers because of the SAS skills they acquired in addition to their graduate degrees.

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share about statistics?
To motivate the students in my SAS classes over the years, I have talked about the statistical computing challenges I faced and overcame.  A humorous one comes to mind. In 1976, it took me two weeks to analyze the data I collected from a split-plot field experiment because there was no such thing as a handheld calculator. So when the first pocket calculator was introduced in 1977, I made a special trip to the capital city of Sri Lanka and spent my whole month’s salary to purchase one. That’s always a perspective setter!

Do you have a favorite statistics blog or journal?
I’ve been an active member of the University of Georgia’s SAS-L LISTSERV discussion group since 1996. During that time, I have learned a great deal about statistics and SAS software. Currently, I am a fan of the following blogs: SAS Dummy, SAS Training Post, DO Loop and Graphically Speaking.

Do you have a favorite statistician?
I think highly of Dr. Margaret A. Nemeth, who introduced me to SAS software in my first graduate-level statistics course at Texas A&M. After 24 years, I had a chance to see her again and thank her for inspiring me.  It was a proud moment when I delivered the keynote presentation during the 16^th Applied Statistics Conference at Kansas State University in 2004 and she was in attendance.  I also admire Dr. Goodnight and want to thank him for the opportunity to work under his leadership.  I look forward to meeting Dr. Goodnight so that I can personally thank him. Another fond memory for me is when my son received the SAS Student Ambassador plaque from Dr. Goodnight during the 2011 SAS Global Forum.

Are there any other hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I like keeping up with SAS/STAT procedures, as well as SAS Global Forum papers and SAS Observation papers to learn any new or time-saving tips for using SAS Data Steps and In-Data Analysis. I also enjoy listening to music and watching Bollywood films.