Celebrating 70: An Interview with Don Berry

Abstract

Donald (Don) Arthur Berry, born May 26, 1940 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, earned his A.B. degree in mathematics from Dartmouth College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in statistics from Yale University. He served first on the faculty at the University of Minnesota and subsequently held endowed chair positions at Duke University and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Center. At the time of the interview he served as Head of the Division of Quantitative Sciences, and Chairman and Professor of the Department of Biostatistics at UT M.D. Anderson Center.

Don’s research deals with the theory and applications of statistics, especially Bayesian methods for sequential design of experiments. His work challenges the status quo, always striving to improve design and analysis of clinical trials, genetic modeling and the process of health-related decision making. His research impacts health research broadly, but has achieved the greatest influence in cancer research. As of 2010, he has published over 200 articles and 10 books and has mentored 24 Ph.D. and 16 M.S. students.

Don’s honors include fellowship election to the International Statistical Institute, the American Statistical Association and the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. He gave Presidential invited addresses to the Western North American Region of the International Biometric Society (New Mexico, 2004), the Canadian Statistical Society (Ottawa, 2006) and the Eastern North American Region of the International Biometric Society (Washington, 2008).

Don married Donna Berry in 1960. Together they raised six children, Don, Mike, Tim, Scott, Jennifer and Erin. Celebrating Don’s 70th birthday, the authors co-organized two invited sessions and a dinner reception at the ENAR 2010 in New Orleans. This interview occurred while his family, friends, colleagues and students gathered to celebrate his birthday and his contributions to statistics.