Do you wish to be featured in the Two-Minute Interview? Would you like to learn more about one of your colleagues? Just answer the online questionnaire, or drop us a line at gazette@uOttawa.ca, or contact Brigitte Génier at 562-5708.
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What is your most important function at the University and why?
Teaching biostatistics to graduate students in epidemiology and population health. I feel that teaching is the most important role of a university professor and I am proud to stimulate the interests of students in this subject, which is vital to their research career.
What inspires you most about your job?
The ability to learn from the students! Every new batch of students makes me think of new ways of communicating the essence of statistics.
How did you come to your area of research?
Curiosity and inquiry from others
What are you most proud of?
Too many. But the essential thread is the satisfaction when the students come and say: “I have taken several statistics courses before, but this is the first time I really understood how it all works.”
What would you change in the world today if you could?
Stop all the wars and make people realize that violence does not resolve the issues.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why?
My mother. She taught me to be proud of myself, but to be humble when dealing with others.
What would your co-workers be most surprised to know about you?
Not sure if there is anything; I am an open book to them!
What is your favourite pastime?
Travelling around the world
You’ve just won a $1 million. What do you do?
Pay off all the debts and then establish a scholarship for meritorious students.
What is the quality you value the most?
Being a good listener and being empathetic to all living things.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Happily planning my retirement years.
What is your greatest hope for the future?
There are no wars and no borders; we would all be in one single world village where everyone respects everyone else.
What is the best kept secret in your faculty, department or service?
The excellent faculty and staff of the department.
