Meet Jonathan Goodman – Statistics Summer Scholarship recipient

This summer, we have a number of fantastic students who received a Department of Statistics scholarship to work on fascinating projects with our staff members. We’ll be profiling them here on Stats Chat and we’d love to hear your feedback on their projects!

Jonathan is working with Stephanie Budgett on a research project entitled ‘First-time mums – can we make a difference?’

Jonathan explains:

“I am working on an exciting and rather interesting research project. I am working with the Pelvic Floor Research Group at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, looking at potential factors that are associated with pelvic floor disorders. This research is the first in the world to assess and measure the passive force of the pelvic floor using an elastometer,  an instrument for measuring elasticity of tissue, designed and built by the ABI at Auckland University.

“The aim of the research is to hopefully reach a point where nurses and midwives could enter relevant information into a computer programme based on a statistical model which would predict the likelihood of the expectant mother experiencing some form of pelvic floor disorder if she proceeded with a natural birth. If a high risk of pelvic floor trauma is predicted, then the medical staff and the mother would be forewarned and an alternative management of labour could be considered.”

More about Jonathan:

“I am studying for a BSc majoring in Statistics and Psychology. I am a leader in my local youth group and we are planning our summer camp. I am also involved with on-campus activities, having been elected the 2013 vice-president of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students.

“When I want to do something different I go and play with my circus friends. I can juggle knives and flaming torches, ride a unicycle, make balloon animals – and now I am learning acrobatics!”