Joseph Cavanaugh, professor of biostatistics in the University of Iowa College of Public Health, has been named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA), the nation’s preeminent professional statistical society.

To be recognized as a 2014 ASA Fellow, each honoree must make outstanding professional contributions to and have exhibited leadership in the field of statistical science. Cavanaugh was honored for outstanding teaching of statistics and bio­statistics and developing new educational pro­grams; for excellence in research in model selection and time series; for collaborative research contributions that impact public health; and for service to the profession.

He will be awarded a certificate at a ceremony Aug. 5 at the annual Joint Statistical Meetings in Boston, Mass.

The designation of ASA Fellow has been a significant honor for nearly 100 years. Under ASA bylaws, the Committee on Fellows can elect up to one-third of one percent of the total membership as fellows each year. Individuals are nominated by their peers in the association membership.

To be honored, nominees must have an established reputation and have made outstanding contributions in statistical science. The Committee on Fellows evaluates each candidate’s contributions to the advancement of statistical science and places due weight to published works, the position held with their employer, ASA activities, membership and accomplishments in other societies and other professional activities.

The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of statisticians and the second-oldest continuously operating professional society in the United States. Its members serve in industry, government and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare. For additional information about the American Statistical Association, please visit the ASA website.