Getting a Ph.D. was a long, sometimes frustrating, but gratifying process. There were plenty of times when I questioned my ability to finish a Ph.D. I was fortuante that I had the support system that was available with the Statistics and Actuarial Science department at Iowa. My advisor, Kung-Sik Chan, was so encouraging and so patient with me. I would often call myself an idiot, but he assured me that I wasn't; there are just some things that come with experience. The other professors at Iowa were always willing to answer questions and lend me an ear. The graduate students were always friendly to me and were more than happy to work with me in the classes that we took. I became close to some of them, and they were crucial in pushing me to finish my doctorate. It was while I was here at Iowa that I discovered that I had a passion for teaching. I was given the opportunity to teach my own class for three semesters, and I really enjoyed it. That is why I decided to go into academia as a profession. -Elizabeth Hansen, Ph.D. 2006 I really have enjoyed my life here in Iowa. I have worked as an RA and as a TA, and also served as a choir conductor in my church. I love the faculty members, staff and colleagues in our department. The professors are very talented in their fields, enthusiastic in teaching and generous to help students. -Chulmin Kim, Ph.D. 2005

The seven years of graduate study at Iowa put a Hawkeye mark on my life. I've started to miss the UI campus and all the professors, classmates and friends already when I type now. I am very grateful for the department providing the first-class education and nurturing me to become a researcher in Statistics. My thesis advisor, Prof. Michael P. Jones, was a great mentor with constant encouragement and support. I am also indebted to the professors in our department who enthusiastically educated me during these years. In particular, Prof. Jian Huang for invaluable assistance with my disseration research, Prof. Dale Zimmerman for being my graduate advisor, and Prof. Russ Lenth for advising me when I was an RA in the Statistical Consulting Center. The teaching and research experience at Iowa benefited me right away here. -Rui Qin, Ph.D. 2006

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