UW Professor Releases Textbook on Statistics for Scientists

Ken Gerow, professor emeritus of the University of Wyoming’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has co-written a new textbook, “Essentials of Statistics for Research.” The book was released by Routledge Friday, Nov. 14.

At its core, this text demonstrates how statistics can serve science and illuminate stories embedded in the data. Rather than emphasizing the mathematics of performing statistics, Gerow’s book presents an approach to teaching statistics that centers around available choices, and how to select from a variety of potential statistical models for describing scientific data.

Gerow and co-author Jorge Navarro Alberto, professor emeritus at the Autonomous University of Yucatán in Mexico, open “Essentials of Statistics for Research” with a quote from former UW student Tyler Johnson. Johnson coined the phrase, “The goal of any statistical analysis is to be wrong in the best possible way.”

The authors use this concept throughout their text to illustrate the trade-offs of any given statistical model, and how to go about making the important choice of which analysis to employ. In addition to giving a solid conceptual foundation, the textbook is accessible to a wide audience through concrete examples and illustrations.

Carson Keeter, lead biostatistician in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus, in his review of the text, says, “This book is a field guide on statistical thinking crafted with a tone that dismantles the fear surrounding mathematics and replaces it with curiosity and confidence … whether you’re a practicing researcher, a student or someone who swore statistics off all together, this book invites you back to the table with no judgement, just good teaching.”

According to Routledge, “This book is designed for researchers across a broad range of disciplines, from graduate students beginning their research journey to experienced professionals seeking a refresher on statistical methods.”

Gerow is author or co-author of over 90 research articles in topics ranging from the molecular and cellular world to the plant, animal and human systems world. In his 30 years teaching at UW, Gerow received the John P. Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award in 1996; the College of Arts and Sciences’ Extraordinary Merit in Teaching Award in 2007; and, in 2010, an Extraordinary Merit in Research Award. In 2022, he was named the recipient of the George Duke Humphrey Distinguished Faculty Award. UW’s highest faculty award, it recognizes teaching effectiveness, distinction in scholarly work and distinguished service to the university and state.

Navarro Alberto is a leading expert in ecological and environmental statistics research. Throughout his career, he taught statistics for biologists, marine biologists and natural resource managers in Mexico. Navarro Alberto also was a visiting professor at UW. Following a 36-year teaching career, he now serves as a part-time statistical consultant and as an associate editor of Environmental and Ecological Statistics.

“Essentials of Statistics for Research” can be ordered here.