Russ Tapped for Genetics Journal Guest Column

Russ Tapped for Genetics Journal Guest Column

Russ Tapped for Genetics Journal Guest Column

Zachary Russ
Zachary Russ

Fischell Department of Bioengineering sophomore Zachary Russ was invited to pen a guest column for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) a publication that has covered developments in bioprocess research and commercialization since 1981. Russ was asked to submit a story by GEN's Opinion editor after seeing an essay he authored in the Journal of Biological Engineering.

Russ's article for GEN, "Preserving the Integrity of Statistics," discusses the challenge of working with and proper use of statistics in bio-oriented research. This setting often finds scientists wrestling with multiple variables and living organisms that may not behave as expected, may mimic another organism's behavior, and are subject to contamination. Russ also advocates for greater transparency in published research, including complete information on how data was collected, manipulated, and culled; and for increased education for young scientists who are expected to use statistics to explain their results and justify their conclusions.

"Perhaps our problem," he writes, "is that, without much emphasis on biostatistics in curricula or the workplace, students and novice researchers are not given an adequate understanding of when to use statistics, how to use them, and what they mean, yet are encouraged to use statistics whenever possible...."

Russ, who is double majoring in mathematics, intends to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering and design micro- and nanoscale devices for medical applications. In 2008 and 2009 he was the winner in the Institute of Biological Engineering's national bioethics essay contest, and in 2009 he was the recipient of a Goldwater Scholarship. He has participated in summer research programs at the University of California-Berkeley and Rice University.

"Preserving the Integrity of Statistics" appears in the November 1 (vol. 29, No. 19) issue of GEN and can be found online at the GEN website.

For More Information:

Read "Preserving the Integrity of Statistics" »

Read Russ' 2009 essay, "Mapping the moral boundaries of biological engineering," in the Journal of Biological Engineering »

Read Russ' 2008 essay, "Synthetic biology: enormous possibility, exaggerated perils," in the Journal of Biological Engineering »

Related Articles:
Ian White Receives Clark School’s Outstanding Faculty Service Award
BioE Undergrads Sweep Bioethics Essay Contest
BioE Undergrads Shine Again in Bioethics Contest

November 16, 2009


Prev   Next

Current Headlines

‘Priming’ helps the brain understand language even with poor-quality speech signals

"Rare but Devastating": Maisel Honored for Immunotherapy Research to Treat Deadly Lung Disease in Women

Gemstone Team Wins 2023 ‘Do Good’ Showcase Prize to Build Wildfire Drone

Reflecting on 20 Years of Excellence and Innovation

Looking Back on the Fall 2023 Semester, Looking Forward to Sharing a New Strategic Plan in 2024

Revolutionizing Water Access: Aquair Wins 2023 R&D 100 Award

Barg honored with 2024 IEEE Richard W. Hamming Medal

UMD Hosts Industrial AI Forum

News Resources

Return to Newsroom

Search News

Archived News

Events Resources

Events Calendar