Data analyst honoured for 30-year veterinary contribution
16 December 2008
The Faculty of Veterinary Science's Garry Anderson was conferred with a Master of Veterinary Science (without examination) at the Faculty's graduation ceremony on Saturday 6 December 2008.
The award recognises Mr Anderson's contributions to research and postgraduate training in the Faculty of Veterinary Science since 1975, when he joined the school as a technical officer.
Having completed a Graduate Diploma of Applied Statistics at RMIT soon after joining the Faculty, Mr Anderson’s statistical advice rapidly became widely sought by academic staff. Over the last 20 years, Mr Anderson has been instrumental in helping design and analyse a large proportion of the PhD and Masters studies that have been undertaken at the Faculty.
On being awarded with the degree, Mr Anderson was commended for his meticulous approach to data analysis, his uncanny eye for finding errors in data sets or in analysis, and his commitment to helping students understand the scientific and statistical components of their work.
Mr Anderson was surprised and honoured to receive the award. "I would like to thank those kind members of staff who initiated the process and all those who supported my nomination. I also thank my fellow colleagues in the Faculty and veterinary students. I am very lucky that I am passionate about my job and this is largely due to these wonderful people and the friendly and positive atmosphere we work under,”
he said.
Mr Anderson's contribution to the Faculty has included presenting undergraduate veterinary statistics lectures, and designing and delivering postgraduate statistics courses. His efforts in assisting researchers in the school is reflected in his publication list, having been a co-author in more than 80 fully refereed papers published in prestigious scientific journals.
Other groups have recognised Mr Anderson’s substantial contribution to research in veterinary science. In 1999 he received the ‘Meritorious Service Award’ from the Australian Veterinary Association, and in 2000 he received Honorary Membership of the Epidemiology Branch of the Australian College of Veterinary Science.
For further information please contact the Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: vet-communications@unimelb.edu.au