By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

Ravindra Khattree, professor of applied statistics, received an honor that reflects the high level of achievement he’s attained in his profession. Last month, the American Statistical Association (ASA) awarded Khattree the honorary rank of fellow. Only 54 of its members, or less than 1 percent, have received this prestigious honor.

“It was a surprise to me to receive this honor because it’s considered more of a lifetime achievement,” said Khattree. “It recognizes the contributions I’ve made to the field and my service to the profession.”

Khattree is the first full-time OU faculty member to be elected an ASA fellow. Each year, ASA members nominate their peers for the honorary title. Letters of support from other members must accompany the nomination. The ASA selected Khattree for his “important contributions to the development of statistical methods, for promoting statistics by writing for diverse audiences, for editorial work, and for innovative contributions to statistical education.”

“It’s very fulfilling to receive this honor,” Khattree said. “Recognition comes in a variety of ways – there’s also the appreciation of my work by my colleagues and students. However, the ASA honor does not just recognize me, but also Oakland University. Oakland is a place that has provided an environment in which I have been able to work hard and produce my scholarship.”

Khattree grew up at various places within the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, before studying at the Indian Statistical Institute. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh before joining the OU faculty in 1991. He has served as associate editor of “Communications in Statistics,” editor of “Interstat” (an online journal), organized an international conference titled “Industrial Statistics and Quality Improvement,” and has authored or edited many articles and books. His current research involves biostatistics and the clinical testing of generic drugs and how they compare with their brand-name equivalents.

The ASA, founded in 1839 in Boston, promotes excellence in statistics and its application to the frontiers of science from biological to socio-economic to the physical sciences. Florence Nightingale, Alexander Graham Bell, Andrew Carnegie, Martin Van Buren and some of the most recognized statisticians of the last 160 years have been members.

For more information on the association and its publications and activities, visit the American Statistical Association Web site.