B.S. Mathematics, U. of Missouri Rolla
M.S. Mathematics and Statistics, Oklahoma State U. 1970
Ph.D. Math and Statistics, Oklahoma State U. 1973
A required statistics course led Richard to discover the branch of mathematics that combines engineering, scientific investigation, and decision analysis. Since getting his advanced degrees in Statistics, he has served as a statistical consultant in medical research at a medical school, an expert witness in federal court EEO litigation, and a management consultant for a major petroleum firm.
Currently, as a biostatistical consultant at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, Richard's job requires that he assist researchers with the design of their experimental studies, ensuring that the questions they want to answer can be answered with the intended study. He helps to organize the data gathering, carry out the final analysis, and prepare a report to the researchers. The researchers involved can be physicians, bioengineers, and hospital administrators.
Richard feels the study of mathematics honed his skills in taking problems apart, finding and resolving the key elements, and then putting all the pieces together to achieve the desired result. This skill has carried over to the solution of complex statistical and administrative problems, problems which could surface in a variety of careers, but which require specialized skills in problem-solving to master.