Peter Lewis (1932--2011): Point Processes, Time Series, and Plenty Else

• Activity Number: 115
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, July 30, 2012 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistics in Defense and National Security
• Author(s): Anthony Lawrance*+
• Companies: University of Warwick
• Keywords: Peter A W Lewis ; Point processes ; Time series ; Simulation ; Statistical computing

Abstract

This talk will give a brief introduction to the memorial session devoted to the statistical activities of Peter Lewis. It will track the general progression of his professional and research interests, pointing out key papers, while leaving more particular accounts to later contributors. Peter Lewis's professional life was in two phases, the first when employed by IBM in New York and San Jose and the second when a Professor of Statistics and Operational Research at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. The aim will be to put into perspective the wide range of his research achievements, covering point processes, time series, simulation and statistical computing. His services to professional and institutional bodies, both in the US and elsewhere, will also be noted. On a personal note, my collaborations with Peter on point processes and time series and their continued influence on me will be briefly covered. No talk about Peter Lewis would be complete without mention of his innate generosity, kindness and cooking, so much appreciated by all his friends, collaborators and students.