The road travelled: From statistician to statistical scientist

In this chapter, I will attempt to describe how a series of problems in statistical genetics, starting from a project about estimation of risk for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, have driven a major part of my research at the National Cancer Institute over the last fourteen years. I try to share some of the statistical and scientific perspectives in this field that I have developed over the years during which I myself have transformed from a theoretical statistician to a statistical scientist. I hope my experience would draw the attention of other statisticians, especially young researchers who have perceived strength in statistical theory but are keen on using their knowledge to advance science, about the tremendous opportunity that lies ahead.