William Atkinson

• Ph.D., Statistical Science, Baylor University, 2010
• M.S., Statistical Science, Baylor University, 2008
• M.S., Mathematics, Stephen F. Austin State University
• B.S., Mathematics, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Statistical Consultant, Scott and White at Temple Texas
• Statistical Consultant, Baylor University at Waco, Texas
• Adjunct Faculty, Stephen F. Austin State University at Nacogdoches, Texas

• Poisson Point Processes
• Poisson Regression
• Decision Theory

am amazed at the simple things in life; minor miracles that are often overlooked as simple coincidences by many people. However, some things are random. I have a love for the study of random observations. Furthermore, to be a part of the scientific process has a great deal of appeal. My love for science transcends any one particular field of science and through statistics I have the option of being a part of all science without having to sacrifice one for another.

A chance encounter with a dear professor my last year at SFA brought to the forefront of my mind the possibility of studying statistics. I had previously been a student of mathematics and although I found the theoretical to be intellectually exhilarating I found that I was not fulfilled. I desired to know more about how the work we did could be used to impact the world. After conversing with a professor I greatly respect, and with my choice to move from math to statistics, the Ph.D program here at Baylor seemed to be the choice that stood above all others as the most potentially fulfilling path my life could take at the time.

Looking back on this decision two years later I could not imagine how my life could possibly be better. The small department and mid-sized school located deep in the heart of Texas holds a quaint appeal which is unrivaled in my mind. The atmosphere we all work hard to keep is warm and inviting.