30-second bio: Mike Marin

Name:

Mike Marin

Title:

Associate Professor of Teaching

Department/Unit:

School of Population and Public Health

I am:

Faculty

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2003

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

I teach statistical literacy and methodology.

What work achievement are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of all of the statistical education videos I’ve created, and that my YouTube channel where I host them has nearly 100,000 subscribers (youtube.com/marinstatlectures).

What is your favourite quote and why?

“All models are wrong, but some are useful” – George Box (statistician). I love this quote because it reminds me that theory is just an oversimplification of reality that magnifies certain aspects while ignoring others. But, if done well, we can gain a lot from the oversimplification.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

After taking years off from the game, I’m just getting back into golfing. I’m on the fringe of having a single digit handicap. I love the game because it has both a physical and mental aspect to it, and requires a lot of strategy.