Journal Question # 5. My Major

MY MAJOR
I am an agronomist with a master’s degree in statistics, and I wish to earn a Ph.D. in statistics now. My interest in statistics arose in 1995 when I became a founding professor of the University of the Chontalpa, in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. It was the first municipal university in the state of Tabasco and one of the first in Mexico. Many students living in the area cannot afford to attend the state university far from where they live. The University of Chontalpa provides them with an excellent opportunity to further their education close to home. Students get their bachelor`s degrees in social sciences, chemical engineering, and agriculture. In addition, I have taught statistics and mathematics at Chontalpa University for 13 years. Most students continue their studies at the Colegio de Postgraduados after graduating from Chontalpa University in order to obtain their master’s degree in agronomy. It has been very rewarding to follow their progress and success over the years.

First of all, I am convinced that statistics is an indispensable tool for generating knowledge in scientific and technological research. Currently, my intent is to enroll in a Ph.D. program in statistics in the United States because I know that the best universities related to my academic area are located here. In addition, international students usually converge in American universities. I am confident that I will have the opportunity to share experiences and points of view with many people from different parts of the world concerning local, regional, and world issues. This exchange of ideas will benefit the scientific and cultural understanding among the nations, as well as the exploration of solutions to the world’s many challenging problems. In addition, my interaction with others in my field of expertise will enable me to positively contribute to the development of my country upon my return to Mexico.

In the same way, I have a particular interest in applied statistics. In my master`s program I developed a methodology for analyzing experiments related to repeated measurements. This methodology was a response to a request by professors and students who needed a way to analyze data obtained from agricultural and animal studies experiments. I programmed this methodology into a software program in order to statistically analyze pertinent data generated from the experiments. Students and professors alike successfully used my program in the analysis of data. It was very rewarding to aid others in their scientific efforts.

In conclusion, I want to strengthen my knowledge of statistics by expanding my understanding of statistical topics, primarily those related to linear models and experimental design. I have a strong foundation in these areas and hope to build on this prior knowledge. In the past I took classes in probability, linear models, linear algebra, mathematical analysis and statistical methods. I am convinced that raising my academic level to a Ph. D. degree will permit me to make positive changes in my country’s future. As a leader of educators of statistics, I will strive to contribute to the noble task that the Colegio de Postgraduados carries out in educating specialists in pedagogy, research, and agricultural developments. These are crucial arenas of learning that Mexico and other Latin American countries must strengthen in order to secure their place in the scientific world.