Samson Assele
Kessel-lo
Summary
Results-driven statistician and data scientist with extensive experience in statistical inference, experimental design, and data modeling. Complemented by advanced programming skills in SAS and R. Demonstrated expertise as a fellow biostatistician at a leading institute in cancer clinical trials for three years. Fluent in English and Amharic, with basic proficiency in Dutch and French. Seeking a challenging role as a biostatistician or statistical programmer to leverage technical skills and drive impactful research in health and life sciences.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Research Associate
KU Leuven
11.2018 - 11.2023
- Conducted research on discrete choice experiments, focusing on sample size selection, joint modeling, and the effect of additional information on decisions
- Developed and proposed alternative sample size calculations for discrete choice models when limited information was available
- Compared alternative approaches for modeling the impact of providing additional information on respondent choices
- Proposed and developed a model that account for inconsistencies between choice and consideration data
- Enhanced skills in programming complex statistical models without pre-existing functions and gained expertise in using supercomputers for parallel computation
- Published research findings and contributed to academic knowledge in operations research and statistics.
Research Fellow in Biostatistics
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
11.2015 - 11.2018
- Coordinated a global initiative to gather data from worldwide registries and clinical trials aimed at updating the prognosis of germ cell cancer
- Conducted data pulling, cleaning, and analysis of the data obtained from this initiative, leading to the publication of the outcomes
- Analyzed data from four EORTC breast cancer trials, leading to the publication of findings on the prognostic impact of isolated local recurrence (ILR) on long-term outcomes
- Collaborated with senior statisticians to prepare statistical sections of study protocols and perform sample size and power calculations
- Developed Statistical Analysis Plans (SAPs) aligned with study protocols and utilized SAS for creating statistical models and generating derived variables
- Conducted comprehensive data analyses using SAS programs and macros, producing tables, listings, and graphs (TLGs) for clinical trial reports
- Supported the preparation of integrated safety and efficacy summaries for regulatory submissions and contributed to clinical study reports
- Presented statistical findings at international conferences, enhancing the visibility of research outcomes.
Graduate Assistant II
Arba Minch University
02.2008 - 06.2011
- Assisted in teaching and grading in the department of Economics
- Supervised student research and contributed to academic development
- Tutored students struggling with material, improving understanding and academic performance.
Junior Researcher I
National Bank of Ethiopia
09.2007 - 02.2008
- Conducted research and produced reports on the banking sector for government decision-making
- Analyzed data and provided economic insights for policy development.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Business Economics, Operations Research, and Statistics
KU Leuven
Leuven, Belgium 11.2018 - 11.2023
Master of Science - Biostatistics
Hasselt University
Hasselt, Belgium 09.2013 - 09.2015
Master of Science - Economic Policy Analysis
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch, Ethiopia 02.2009 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Bahir Dar University
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 09.2004 - 07.2007
Skills
Statistical Analysis & Modeling: Expertise in statistical inference, data modeling, and sample size calculations
Data Science & Visualization: Advanced skills in data interpretation and visualization to support decision-making
SAS Programming (Certified) & R Programming (Expert): Proficient in applying statistical programming for research and clinical trials
Research Methodology: Experience in the design, analysis, and reporting of both clinical and non-clinical trials
Multilingual: Fluent in English (Advanced), Amharic (Native), and basic proficiency in Dutch and French
Conferencepresentations
- Assele S.Y., Meulders M, Michiels H, Flamant N, Vandebroek M.(2023). The effect of information provision and color coding in product labeling on the preference for meat substitutes. Paper presented at the WGO Choice Modeling Seminar of KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Assele, S. Y., Meulders, M., & Vandebroek, M. (2023). Sample size selection for discrete choice experiments using design features. Paper presented at the 8th International Choice Modelling Conference Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Assele, S. Y., Meulders, M., & Vandebroek, M. (2022). The value of consideration data in a discrete choice experiment. Paper presented at the 8th International Choice Modelling Conference Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Assele, S. Y., Meulders, M., & Vandebroek, M. (2021). The value of consideration data in a discrete choice experiment. Paper presented at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Royal Statistical Society of Belgium, Liege, Belgium.
Awards
- 2018-2022 Full time PhD scholarship award at KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- 2015-2018 Research Fellowship in Biostatistics award at the EORTC Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
Publications
- Assele S.Y., Meulders M, Michiels H, Flamant N, Vandebroek M. (2023). The effect of information provision and color coding in product labeling on the preference for meat substitutes. Sustainability, 15(22):15688.
- Assele, S. Y., Meulders, M., & Vandebroek, M. (2023). Sample size selection for discrete choice experiments using design features. Journal of Choice Modelling, 49, 100436.
- Assele, S. Y., Meulders, M., & Vandebroek, M. (2022). The value of consideration data in a discrete choice experiment. Journal of Choice Modelling, 45, 100374.
- (More available upon request)
Professional Development
- Dutch Language Course, B1 (2.1), CVOVolt, January 2024, June 2024
- Dutch Language Course, B1 (2.2), CVOVolt, September 2023, Present
- SAS Base Certification, February 2024
- SAS Advanced Programming Certification, November 2024
Timeline
Research Associate
KU Leuven
11.2018 - 11.2023
Doctor of Philosophy - Business Economics, Operations Research, and Statistics
KU Leuven
11.2018 - 11.2023
Research Fellow in Biostatistics
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
11.2015 - 11.2018
Master of Science - Biostatistics
Hasselt University
09.2013 - 09.2015
Master of Science - Economic Policy Analysis
Arba Minch University
02.2009 - 06.2011
Graduate Assistant II
Arba Minch University
02.2008 - 06.2011
Junior Researcher I
National Bank of Ethiopia
09.2007 - 02.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Bahir Dar University
09.2004 - 07.2007
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