My Interest in PhD Program in Computational Science and Statistics

By reading articles of Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, it becomes evident how knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics, and other disciplines have been used to develop new ideas, suggesting new areas of inquiry and making predictions about pertinent academic and industrial issues that affect us locally and globally. Reading these articles coupled with the experience in my MS Statistics program continue to kindle the interest I have developed for Mathematics and Statistics. I have always long to leave a footprint in the scientific community by submitting papers of such quality in those journals.    

I believe that the Computational Science and Statistics PhD program in South Dakota State University will aid me to achieve my academic goals. My goal is to be rooted in cutting edge research in biostatistics and statistical software with more emphasis on Bayesian methods and to be apply Mathematics and Statistics in solving problem in cancer research. At least, I want to be able to build an R package that based on C/C++ for speed and efficiency in my area of research if there has not been much done.    

Currently, I am in my final semester of the MS Statistics program in South Dakota State University. My research topic is “Asymptotic Simultaneous Inference for Contrast of Quantiles”. With Dr. Gemechis Djira as my advisor, we plan on publishing this paper as soon as possible this year. I worked hard during my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education to attain first class honours and earned a couple of awards. I have also had the chance of teaching high school mathematics for a couple of years after my bachelor’s degree.    

I am more determined to take any award if any amid my quest to develop my knowledge base and hone in on research to a stage where I can also publish articles that intrigue members of the research community and add to the knowledge base in Mathematics and Statistics. I am confident that this is possible through the indispensable help of my mentors, resilience and ability to work independently, attending seminars and taking advantage of other learning opportunities in your university. I also believe in sharing and by this I plan to assist other students and lecturers in ways where my knowledge and experience will be required in the course of my studies.    

My plan is to find a job in the biomedical field where premium is placed on number of publications on employee’s work as part of the job descriptions after my PhD. This will enable me to achieve my aim of becoming a professor in Statistics. I will then have the chance to work or lecture and continue with research alone or in a group of other researchers. As an expert, I can also assist firms and organizations to use mathematics and statistical instruments in planning, making decisions and promoting development at a national and international level.