Past Meetings

"Evidence Synthesis & Meta-Analysis"

2019 (June) An ASA traveling course instructed by Professor Christopher H. Schmid, Brown University School of Public Health. 
DAY 1 Evidence Synthesis (Intro to, Preparing your topic, Formulating research Qs, Searching/screening studies, Extracting data, Assessing risk of bias, Qualitative synthesis, Meta-analysis, and reporting findings). 
DAY 2 Meta-Analysis and Combining the Results of Multiple Studies (Overview, Types of MA outcomes, Weighted averages, Heterogeneity, 1- and 2-state models, Meta-regression, Bayesian models, Observational data, Participant-level data, Multivariate MA, Network MA).

"It's Not What We Said, It's Not What They Heard, It's What They Say They Heard”

2017 (December).  Barry Nussbaum, 2017 ASA President.  This was a non-technical talk which stresses the importance of very succinct and clear presentations of statistical analyses.  The presentation is full of examples from Barry’s career at the U.S. EPA.

"Applied Longitudinal Analysis" Workshop

2017 (November).  An ASA traveling course instructed by Professor Garrett Fitzmaurice, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  The goal of the course was to provide a broad introduction to statistical methods for analyzing longitudinal data.  The emphasis was on the practical aspects of longitudinal analysis.

"Introduction to Statistics for Spatio-Temporal Data" Workshop

2017 (March). An ASA traveling course instructed by Professor Christopher K. Wikle, Department of Statistics, University of Missouri. The workshop was for those who wanted to learn about spatio-temporal processes and data analysis.  The material was presented at an applied level, accessible to participants with a background and training in statistics and data analysis. 

Census of Agriculture – History and Methodology

2015 (November).  Kathy King, State Statistician, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Hawai‘i Field office.  Ms. King will be speaking on the history and methodology of the Census of Agriculture.  The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years by USDA, NASS.  It provides statistical information about farmers and farming in every state and county in the United States.  Ms. King is a 14-year veteran of USDA, NASS and has been in Hawaii just a little over a year.  She is enjoying learning about Hawaiian agriculture and culture.

Early Term Deliveries and Increased Newborn ICU Hospitalizations: Hawai‘i PRAMS, 2009-2011

2015 (September).  Don Hayes, MD, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Assigned Epidemiologist, Family Health Services Division, Hawai‘i Department of Health.  During the meeting he will highlight some current activities addressing infant mortality, including a specific focus on some analysis of Hawai‘i Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data on early term deliveries and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admissions.

Census Surveys in Hawai‘i

2014 (September). Mat Tanigawa, Survey Statistician, U.S. Census Bureau. Mat is the first Census statistician to be stationed in Hawaii and is responsible for all data collection activities throughout the state. During the meeting he will provide an overview of the current surveys operatins in Hawaii and discuss some of the challenges, issues, and best practices his team faces in the process of collecting timely and accurate data.

Using PRAMS Data to Investigate Prescription Opioid Drug Use during Pregnancy in Hawai‘i

2014 (May). Emily K. Roberson, PhD, MPH, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), Hawaii Department of Health. The presentation will cover two studies conducted as part of a larger project investigating prescription drug use during pregnancy in Hawaii and using Hawaii PRAMS data. The first study sought to determine the prevalence of opoid drug use during pregnancy, describe differences by maternal demographic characteristics, and investigate possible predictors of prescription opoid drug use during pregnancy. The second study aimed to determine whether prescription opoid use during pregnancy was associated with poorer birth outcomes.

Of adults in Hawaii, who are most likely to be considering, making a plan, or attempting suicide?

2013 (October). Kathleen Kromer Baker, Ph.D, M.S., Research Statistician, Hawaii Health Survey, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Hawaii Department of Health. Understanding the associated risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors will help identify adults in need. This presentation will compare suicidal thoughts and behaviors of Hawaii’s adult population to national estimates. Statistical software and methods used in data analysis will be discussed.

"Applied Mixed Models" Workshop

2013 (June). A two-day workshop (June 3-4) instructed by Professor Linda J. Young, Department of Statistics, University of Florida, to provide hands-on applications of mixed models approaches to data analysis at the University of Hawai‘i Imin Center (Jefferson Hall) – Asia Room. Topics covered at the workshop include: fixed and random effects, split plot analysis, linear mixed models, generalized linear mixed models, covariance structure models in a repeated measures setting, spatial variability, and advanced correlation structures.

ASA President (2012) Dr. Robert Rodriguez Presentations

2012 (December)
PRESENTATION #1 (12:30 to 1:30 PM), 1001 Bishop, 8th floor - American Savings Bank Tower, HEI Training Room #2
Statistical Leadership:  Is It in Your Future?
Our ability to grow future statistical leaders should matter to all of us. The vitality and the visibility of our profession depend on influencing others to understand and act on our work. This presentation will challenge us to think differently about statistical leadership and describe ways we can prepare students and younger colleagues for leadership roles.

PRESENTATION #2
(2:30 to 4:00 PM), UH Manoa: BioMed D106

Business Analytics and Big Data:  What Do Statisticians Need to Succeed?
The demand for statistical skills is unprecedented in sectors of business and government where value, competitiveness, and efficiency are driven by large amounts of data. A 2011 study by McKinsey Global Institute predicts a shortfall of 140,000 to 190,000 “deep analytical positions” in the United States by 2018. Yet the statistics profession is largely unaware of the opportunities in these areas. This presentation explains what business analytics means for statisticians—and how they can contribute—using examples of critical business problems and analytic approaches. The presentation also describes trends related to Big Data, including the use of unstructured data and distributed computing. Recommendations are provided on how to better prepare students for careers in these environments and to help them develop the skills they need to flourish within their organizations.  

Highlights of the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) & its Actuarial Valuation Process & Reporting

2012 (September). A presentation on the "Highlights of the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and its Actuarial Valuation Process & Reporting," by Larry Wolfe, Accounting Branch Chief, and Keith Miyamoto, Information Services Branch Chief, State of Hawai‘i ERS.

Hawai‘i P20W Statewide Longitudinal Data System

2012 (August). A presentation on the "Hawai‘i P‐20 Partnerships for Education Statewide Longitudinal Data System," by Todd Ikenaga, Program Manager, University of Hawaii. Hawai‘i P‐20 is working with various agencies and organizations to facilitate the planning of a longitudinal data system for educational improvement.

ASA Executive Director Ron Wasserstein Presentations

2012 (June)
PRESENTATION #1 (noon to 1:00 PM) JABSOM, 651 Ilalo St, MEB 304
Promoting the Practice and Profession of Statistics through Research Support, Education, and Service
A presentation by Dr. Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director of the American Statistical Association (ASA), to share information regarding national ASA programs and his insights on the trends and uses of statistics. This seminar is jointly sponsored by the UH JABSOM Biostatistics & Data Management Core and the ASA Hawaii Chapter.

PRESENTATION #2 (3:00 to 4:00 PM) UH Manoa, St. John Plan Science Lab 106
Statistics Education and Statistical Capacity in the University of Hawaii System
A discussion with UH System and Manoa campus faculty and staff interested in building system and campus-wide statistical capacity.

Biostatistics & Data Management Core at UH JABSOM

2012 (May). A presentation on the "Biostatistics & Data Management Core at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), University of Hawaii - Manoa" by Dr. John Chen, Professor and Director of Biostatistics & Data Management Core, JABSOM.

Dasymetric Population Mapping in Hawai`i

2012 (February). A presentation on the "Pacific Disaster Center, Dasymetric Population Mapping in Hawai`i" by Ms. Lara Payne, Senior Geospatial Information Analyst, Pacific Disaster Center (PDC).

Design of Experiments

2011 (October). A presentation on the " Design of Experiments" by Mr. Larry Sue, Consultant and ASA-Hawaii Officer.

Sleep Related Prevalence and Associations with Selected Health Indicators

2011 (September). A presentation on "Sleep Related Prevalence and Associations with Selected Health Indicators" by Florentina Reyes-Salvail, Department of Health, State of Hawaii.

A Secondary Analysis of the Samoan Diet and Health Study’s Food Frequency Questionnaire Data

2011 (September). A presentation on "A Secondary Analysis of the Samoan Diet and Health Study’s Food Frequency Questionnaire Data " by Dr. Kevin Cassell, University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Wildlife Mortality Associated with Windfarms in Hawai‘i

2011 (August). A presentation on the "Wildlife Mortality Associated with Windfarms in Hawai‘i" by Dr. Andrew Taylor, Department of Biology, University of Hawaii - Manoa.  

Salinity and Electrolytic Cells

2011 (June). A presentation on the " Salinity and Electrolytic Cells" by Mr. Paul J. Hurst, who is a junior at Kahuku High School. He is the Senior Division winner of the ASA-Hawaii Chapter "Best Application of Statistics" Award at the 2011 Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, which is an event sponsored by the Hawaii Academy of Science.

Using Census Data for Reapportionment and Redistricting: An Example from 2001

2011 (February). A presentation on "Using Census Data for Reapportionment and Redistricting: An Example from 2001" by Mr. Royce Jones, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).

"Successful Data Mining in Practice" Workshop

2011 (February). A one-day ASA Council of Chapters Traveling Course on "Successful Data Mining in Practice" taught by Dr. Dick De Veaux, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Department, Williams College.

Pre-Election Surveys and Prediction Methodology

2010 (October). A presentation on "Pre-Election Surveys and Prediction Methodology" by Mr. Jim Dannemiller, SMS Research & Marketing Services, Inc.

Energy Industry Information Reporting Program (EIIRP)

2010 (August). A presentation on "The New Energy Industry Information Reporting Program (EIIRP)" by Dr. Eugene Tian, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, State of Hawaii.

Hawaii Insurance Industry and Statistics

2010 (June). A presentation on the "Hawaii Insurance Industry and Statistics" by J.P. Schmidt, Esq., Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii.    

Issues Related to Healthcare Reform

2010 (April). A presentation on " Issues Related to Healthcare Reform" by Mr. Wendell Oda, Hawaii Medical Service Association.

The 2010 Census

2010 (February). A presentation on the "The 2010 Census" by Ms. Marilyn Yoza, Department of Commerce U.S. Census Bureau.

Epidemiology of H1N1 Flu Virus

2009 (October). A presentation on "Epidemiology of H1N1 Flu Virus" by Dr. Sarah Park, Department of Health, State of Hawaii.   

Using Customer Satisfaction Surveys to Retain and Acquire Customers

2008 (October). A presentation on "Using Customer Satisfaction Surveys to Retain and Acquire Customers" by Ms. Wanda Kakugawa, Market Trends Pacific, Inc.

Science and Research Group, State Department of Health

2008 (September). A presentation on "The Department of Health Science and Research Group" by Dr. Robert Hirokawa, Department of Health, State of Hawaii.

Spatial Statistics, What Is It, and What It Is Used For?

2008 (May). A presentation on "Spatial Statistics, What Is It, and What It Is Used For?" by Dr. Russell Yost, Department of Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii - Manoa.  

Native Hawaiian Well-Being Statistics & Age

2007 (October). A presentation on "Native Hawaiian Well-Being Statistics & Age" by Dr. Nolan Malone, Kamehameha Schools.   

Hawaii’s Influenza Surveillance Program

2007 (August). A presentation on "Hawaii’s Influenza Surveillance Program" by Ms. Ranjani Rajan, Department of Health, State of Hawaii.

Cumulative Loss Rates: Predictive tool

2007 (July). A presentation on "Cumulative Loss Rates: Predictive Tool Used to Forecast Credit Losses and Adjust Underwriting Standards by Rick Murphy, Bank of Hawaii.

Research and Evaluation at Kamehameha Schools

2007 (April). A presentation on " Research and Evaluation at Kamehameha Schools" by Dr. Katherine Tibbets, Kamehameha Schools. 

Honolulu Police Department Data and Statistics

2007 (February). A presentation on the "Honolulu Police Department Data and Statistics" by Mr. Carlton Nishimura, Honolulu Police Department, City & County of Honolulu.

The Number-Needed-to-Treat (NNT) Method: An Effective Tool to Evaluate Intervention Efficacy & Cost

2006 (July). A presentation on "The Number-Needed-to-Treat (NNT) Method: An Effective Tool to Evaluate Intervention Efficacy and Cost Implications by Dr. Olga Geling, Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii - Manoa.   

U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey

2006 (April). A presentation on "U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey" by Dr. Eugene Tian, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, State of Hawaii.

Older Adults and Caregivers

2005 (December). A presentation on "Older Adults and Caregivers" by Tammy Tom, Executive Office on Aging, State of Hawaii.

Tourism Statistics

2003. A presentation on "Tourism Statistics" by Dr. Eugene Tian, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, State of Hawaii.

Dengue Fever Outbreak

2002. A presentation on "Dengue Fever Outbreak" by Tammy Tom, Department of Health, State of Hawaii.

"Reproducible Research with R & RStudio"

2019 (October) An ASA traveling course instructed by Dr. Garrett Grolemund of RStudio.
DAY 1 (Visualization w/ ggplot2; Data transforming w/ dplyr; Modeling w/ R, broom, and modelr; Reproducible reporting w/ R markdown)
DAY 2 (Joining data sets w/ dplry; Working w/ different types of data w/ stringr, forcats, hms, lubridate; Tidying (wrangling) data w/ tidry; Working w/ lists w/ purrr)