Betsy Becker

Dr. Betsy Jane Becker, Mode L. Stone Distinguished Professor of Educational Statistics, Florida State University, has been given this year’s award for her distinctive contributions to systematic reviewing. Dr. Becker has made numerous contributions to both the methodology and practice of research synthesis.

Dr. Becker has made numerous contributions to methodology and practice of research synthesis.

She is a founding member and past president of the Society for Research Synthesis Methodology, and serves as co-convener of the Methods Training Group for the Campbell Collaboration. She has also served as a member of the Technical Advisory Group for the What Works Clearinghouse.

The award reflects her contribution to both the practice of research synthesis and its methodology. She is well known for generously sharing her expertise with students who continue to push the field to provide high-quality evidence for decision-making in education, social welfare and crime and justice. Terri Pigott and Jeff Valentine of the Campbell Collaboration pointed out that she exemplifies many of the qualities of Fred Mosteller – a commitment to practical applications of statistics to improve society, and a personal concern for students.