AmStat Section News,
January 2008

Devin S. Johnson, Publications Chair

ENVR Announces two awards: -- Distinguished Achievement Award and Young Investigator Award --- Prepare nominations now!!

The ASA Section on Statistics and the Environment (ENVR) is seeking nominations for the ENVR Distinguished Achievement Award and for the brand new ENVR Young Investigator Award. Both awards are given in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of methods, issues, concepts, applications, and initiatives of environmental statistics. We use a broad definition of environmental statistics, from theoretical/foundational through applications and policy, and seek to recognize the full range of activities of academic, governmental, and industrial statisticians and scientists engaged in statistics and the environment. Environmental statistics is interdisciplinary, and outstanding contributions may occur outside of traditional niches defined by disciplines.

The new Young Investigators Award is meant to encourage and recognize younger members of the environmental statistics community. The section is excited to be able to sponsor both types of awards.

The criteria for receiving a distinguished achievement award are:
1.  Distinguished contributions to environmental statistics.
2.  Membership in ENVR at least three years prior to June 1, 2008.
3.  Not already a recipient from a previous year (see http://www.amstat-online.org/sections/envr/ssedaap.html).

For the Young Investigators Award, the criteria are:
1.  Distinguished contributions to environmental statistics.
2.  Current membership in ENVR.
3.  Not already a recipient from a previous year (see http://www.amstat-online.org/sections/envr/ssedaap.html).
4. An individual who has not yet reached his or her 41st birthday during the calendar year of the award. In the special case of an individual who has received his or her terminal degree in statistics less than 12 years prior to the nomination deadline, a nominee will be eligible who has not yet reached his or her 46th birthday during the calendar year of the award.

For both awards, the Committee considers only those members for whom nominations are submitted. Committee members do not offer nominations themselves, but encourage you to make a thorough search for good candidates.
For the 2008 competition, the nomination materials should consist of:
1.  A nomination letter featuring the nominee's contributions to environmental statistics.
2.  A brief CV for the nominee, not exceeding five pages.
3.  Supporting letters, up to three.
4. A clear statement for which of the two awards the nominee should be considered. If being considered for the Young Achievement award, please submit the birth date of the nominee. The committee will use the “Jonathanian” method of calculating the age of the nominee.

Nominations must be received by March 15, 2008. Fear not the ides of March; the awards committee is here to praise those who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. The nomination may be submitted electronically as a PDF document (preferred) or as a Word file. If submitted as hardcopy, then please send the original and five (5) copies. Submit nominations to: Barry D. Nussbaum, Chair of the ENVR Distinguished Achievement and Young Investigator Awards Nomination Committee
by email to: nussbaum.barry@epa.gov
or by surface mail to:
Barry D. Nussbaum, D.Sc.
Chief Statistician
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Mail Code: 2842T
Washington, DC 20460

The Committee on Distinguished Achievement Awards and Young Investigator Awards will make the selection and successful nominees will receive their awards at the ENVR Business Meeting and Reception at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Denver in August, 2008. Questions regarding the award should be addressed to Barry Nussbaum at the above email.