Working on the Interface of Statistics and Science

Abstract

This article recounts the professional journey of a pioneering biostatistician who began her career in the early 1970s, a period when the field of biostatistics and the role of biostatisticians were relatively unknown. It highlights her professional experiences, from teaching at the University of Maryland to her extensive tenure at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Throughout her career, she underscores the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the expanding opportunities for women in science. She concludes by reflecting on her post-retirement activities, including her contributions to public health through the Gates Foundation, and emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and mentoring in her career.