The SSC Community Connections initiative aims to foster connections across the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC) by highlighting individual members of our community. This initiative aligns with one of the SSC’s strategic priorities: promoting a sense of community in the statistical sciences and related fields. Selected individuals will be featured in articles published in SSC Liaison.

For our inaugural article, we are pleased to spotlight Dr. Sameer Parpia! Sameer is an associate professor, biostatistician, and clinical trialist in the Department of Oncology and the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact at McMaster University. He serves as the scientific lead for McMaster’s Collaborative Unit for Biostatistics and Evidence and is a senior biostatistician with the Ontario Clinical Oncology Group. Additionally, he is the director and principal investigator of the Canadian Network for Statistical Training in Trials (CANSTAT), a pan-Canadian training program aimed at training the next generation of clinical trial biostatisticians in Canada.

Sameer’s involvement with the SSC began when he presented his master’s research at the SSC annual meeting held in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador in 2007. He recalls that this first meeting introduced him to collaboration, networking, and academic exchanges with statisticians across Canada. Since then, he has remained an active SSC member, reflecting positively on his experiences connecting with colleagues and forming new meaningful relationships.

Sameer is particularly passionate about the collaborative nature of his work. For Sameer, the opportunity to work alongside diverse individuals towards a shared goal of improving patient outcomes is one of the most fulfilling aspects of his work. When designing and analyzing clinical trials, he strives to remember that “every patient has a story”—the best piece of advice he received from one of his mentors, Jim Julian.

For trainees and early career researchers in the field, Sameer advises focusing on the professional and personal activities that bring the most joy. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, soccer, and golf, as well as listening to music.

We sincerely thank Sameer for sharing his insights and for participating in our SSC Community Connections initiative.

Would you like to be featured in a future SSC Liaison article, or do you know an SSC member we should spotlight? If so, please submit a nomination via our Google form. You must log in to mySSC to submit a nomination.