Contents
News
2024 Wayne Fuller Graduate Scholarship Recipients
The Department of Statistics is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Wayne Fuller Graduate Scholarship:
- Vanessa Kokoszka
- Noah Leavitt
- Ben Moolman
- Blanca Parker
- Ethan Pross
This scholarship honors Dr. Wayne Fuller’s contributions to statistics and recognizes outstanding graduate students who exemplify academic excellence and promise in the field.
Dr. Wayne Fuller has been an integral part of the department since 1959. Even after his official retirement in 2001, he remains a guiding presence in Snedecor Hall, mentoring students and faculty while contributing to the Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology.
Established to celebrate Dr. Fuller’s legacy, the scholarship provides critical support to talented graduate students pursuing advanced studies in statistics. The 2024 recipients join a growing group of scholars who carry forward the values of excellence and innovation that Dr. Fuller has exemplified throughout his career. Click here to read notes from each of the recipients.
Data in Action: How Stats Seniors Made Summer Count
Internships provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, and explore potential career paths. For statistics students at Iowa State University, these summer experiences showcase the diverse ways their skills can make an impact. This summer, seniors Angelina Allen, Nathan Rethwisch, and Emily Allen applied their knowledge in innovative ways, contributing to exciting projects and organizations while preparing for their futures in the field. Click here to read more about their experiences.
Statistics Abroad: Experience in Torino, Italy
This summer, Iowa State University students embarked on a two-week study abroad program in Torino, Italy. As part of their trip abroad, the students were enrolled in Stat 305 IT (Italy section), a course focused on statistics, mathematics, and European culture, and taught by Arka Ghosh, a professor in the Department of Statistics.
Iowa State University’s partnership with Politecnico di Torino provided the foundation for this unique study abroad experience. Located in Torino, Italy’s fourth-largest city, Politecnico di Torino is one of the country’s top engineering universities.
During the program, students attended lectures on course material and explored areas of the city related to engineering and mathematics. A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Microlino electric car manufacturing facility, where students learned about sustainable practices and innovative engineering behind eco-friendly vehicles. This hands-on experience gave them insight into modern automotive technology.
In their free time, students immersed themselves in Italian culture. They visited the Royal Palace of Torino, once the home of the royal House of Savoy, and marveled at its architectural and historical significance. They also toured the city’s famous chocolate factories, learning about Torino's rich tradition of chocolate-making.
The program also offered opportunities for students to connect with Italy’s culinary heritage. Students participated in truffle hunting, learning about the region’s truffle industry, and cooked dinner at Eat-aly, where they made pasta from scratch.
The program concluded with final exams, marking the end of a transformative two weeks. Students returned home with a deeper understanding of their academic studies and a lasting appreciation for Italian culture, history, and cuisine. Visit this news page to see more images from their trip abroad.
2024 JSM Reception
We are grateful to all the alumni and friends who joined us for the Iowa State Department of Statistics reception at the 2024 Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) in Portland, OR on August 6. It was wonderful to reconnect and celebrate our shared achievements in the field of statistics.
The 2024 JSM, hosted by the American Statistical Association, had over 5,000 attendees. The event included more than 600 sessions, ranging from invited talks to poster presentations.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the event a memorable success. Click here to view full photo gallery.
Dr. Alicia Carriquiry Delivers IMS Medallion Lecture
At the 2024 Joint Statistical Meeting (JSM) in Portland, Dr. Alicia Carriquiry of the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE) at Iowa State University delivered an IMS Medallion Lecture III. Her talk, titled “Statistics and Its Application in Forensic Science and the Criminal Justice System,” shed light on pressing issues within the U.S. forensic science landscape and explored statistical methods that could reshape forensic practices.
Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Presenters from the Department of Statistics
On August 1, several undergraduate students from the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University showcased their research at the annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students gathered in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union to present posters describing their research. Presenters included: Everett Hargrove, Srika Raja, Brielle Wheeler, Debanjali Pathak, Minh Tran, Hang Minh Pham, Hao Guo, and Srilikitheswari "Lucky" Korrapati
Iowa State University Hosts eCOTS Regional Conference
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University recently hosted the electronic Conference on Teaching Statistics (eCOTS) Regional Conference in Iowa on June 14th, 2024. The event took place at the Student Innovation Center and brought together educators and professionals to discuss key issues in the field of statistics education.
The conference, organized by Laura Ziegler, Teaching Professor at Iowa State University, featured a dynamic program designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the data-driven world. The day began with a welcome session, followed by a keynote address from Paul Roback, Professor of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at St. Olaf College, who highlighted the importance of broadening students' perspectives beyond introductory statistics. His talk, Beyond AP® / Intro Statistics: Playing in Everyone Else's Backyard, showcased real-world applications of statistics in various fields, inspiring educators to encourage their students to think beyond the basics.
Participants engaged in several breakout sessions covering topics such as resources for statistics and data science educators, updates to introductory statistics courses, and strategies for fostering critical thinking in students. The sessions, led by experts Adam Loy (Associate Professor of Statistics, Mathematics and Statistics at Carleton), Dan Petrak (Professor of Mathematics at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny), Heather Podlich (Professor of Mathematics at DMACC Boone ), Andrew Sage (Assistant Professor of Statistics at Lawrence University), and Shonda Kuiper (Professor of Statistics at Grinnell College), provided insights and practical tools for enhancing statistics education.
The event concluded with reflections and discussions, allowing attendees to share their experiences and ideas for future collaborations. The conference emphasized the importance of innovative teaching methods and underscored the vital role of community in advancing statistics education. Visit the full news article to see more images from the event.
Achievements
Dr. Ranjan Maitra Appointed as Charles and Vicki Sampson Professor in Statistics
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is pleased to announce Dr. Ranjan Maitra as the inaugural holder of the Charles and Vicki Sampson Professorship in Statistics. This appointment honors Maitra’s outstanding contributions to the field of statistics and recognizes his continued excellence in research, teaching, and professional development.
The Charles and Vicki Sampson Professorship was established by a generous gift from Vicki Sampson in memory of her late husband, Charles Sampson, an Iowa State graduate who earned his Ph.D. in biostatistics in 1968. The professorship is intended to provide financial support to faculty members in the Department of Statistics. Funds from the professorship can be used for salary supplementation, research support, travel, graduate assistant or postdoctoral stipends, and other needs that align with the goals of advancing the field of statistics. This position will allow the recipient to further their research and teaching, directly impacting students and the broader community of statisticians.
Charles Sampson’s career was defined by his dedication to the field of applied statistics, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry, where he played a key role in advancing statistical methods. Charles was a tireless advocate for applied statisticians, focusing much of his energy on the recruitment, education, and employment of statisticians in industry. His legacy continues to inspire the profession, and the creation of this professorship reflects the enduring impact of his work. Click here to read more about Charles and Vicki Sampson and see more photos from this event.
CSSM Secures Additional Funding for Two Major Grants
The Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM) at Iowa State University has received additional funding for two of its largest ongoing grants, further supporting its mission to advance survey statistics and methodology.
About CSSM
Established in 1938, CSSM is an academic center specializing in survey statistics research, teaching, and consulting. It collaborates with units at Iowa State University and external institutions, provides operational services for survey projects, and serves as a hub for graduate research in survey methods. Through its technical expertise and operational support, CSSM contributes to the development of cutting-edge survey methodologies that address complex research needs.
Grant Updates
National Resource Inventory (NRI) Agreement
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Zhengyuan Zhu
- Sponsor: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Project Period: 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2026
The NRI agreement focuses on enhancing statistical and survey methodologies for the National Resource Inventory, a program crucial for monitoring natural resource trends nationwide.
BLM Managed Lands Survey Program
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Cindy Yu
- Sponsor: DOI-U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Project Period: 07/24/2023 – 07/23/2028
This grant supports survey and statistical methods for the BLM Managed Lands Survey Program, aiding efforts to assess and sustain rangeland health across the United States.
Looking Ahead
With these significant funding renewals, CSSM continues to build on its legacy of research excellence, providing innovative solutions and methodologies that drive impactful decision-making for federal agencies and beyond.
2024 Graduate Student Awards
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Graduate Student Awards, which honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of statistics at our institution. These awards recognize exceptional academic achievements by our graduate students. Below are the awards and recipients of each:
- Vera David Fellowship - Recipient: Xiansi Ma
- Holly and Beth Fryer Award - Recipients: Debarshi Chakraborty and Gautham Venkatasubramanian
- Kempthorne Award - Recipient: Rebekah Scott
- Sposito Statistical Computing Award - Recipients: Yuyang Li and Joshua Berlinski
- George W. Snedecor Award - Recipient: Laritza Dominguez Lorenzo
Congratulations to all graduate award winners. Click here to read more about each award and see photos of the recipients.
Alumni Michael A. Hidiroglou Selected for 2025 Waksberg Award
Michael A. Hidiroglou has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Waksberg Award, recognizing his nearly 40 years of contributions to survey methodology at Statistics Canada, the national statistical office of Canada. Hidiroglou earned his PhD in statistics from Iowa State University in 1974.
As part of the award, he will deliver the Waksberg Invited Address at the 2025 Statistics Canada Methodology Symposium and author a paper for the December 2025 issue of Survey Methodology.
The Waksberg Award honors the legacy of Joseph Waksberg, a pioneering figure in the field of survey sampling whose innovative methods have shaped modern survey research. Established in 2001, the award is presented annually to a distinguished statistician whose work exemplifies the integration of theoretical advancements with practical applications in survey methodology. The recipient’s contributions are recognized as having a lasting impact on the field, reflecting the same blend of theory and hands-on problem-solving that defined Waksberg’s career.
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is proud of the accomplishments of Michael Hidiroglou, and offer sincere congratulations for the 2025 Waksberg Award.
Todd Sanger Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
The Department of Statistics is proud to recognize Todd Sanger as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2024. This award honors Todd’s outstanding professional achievements and his influential contributions to the field of statistics.
During his time at Iowa State University, Todd demonstrated exceptional promise, earning the George W. Snedecor Award—a distinction given to the department’s most outstanding PhD candidate. This early recognition set the stage for his remarkable career.
Todd now serves as vice president and leader of the Predictive and Text Analytics group within the Advanced Analytics and Data Sciences Team at Eli Lilly and Company. His innovative work has advanced the use of statistical methods, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry. Notable achievements include developing tools to predict heart failure using clinical notes and refining clinical trial designs to ensure the timely delivery of safe and effective treatments to patients.
This award reflects Todd’s dedication to leveraging statistics to solve complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to global healthcare. His career serves as an inspiration and highlights the transformative impact of statistical expertise.
The Department of Statistics congratulates Todd Sanger on this well-deserved honor and celebrates his continued success.
Social Events
Welcome Back Fall Picnic
The 2024 Welcome Back Fall Picnic was held Sunday, August 25 at Brookside Park. Attendees enjoyed Hickory Park meat with mac and cheese and caesar salad. It was an excellent kick off to the new school year! Click here to view the full gallery.
Cookie & Hot Chocolate Event for Undergraduate Students
The Department of Statistics hosted a sugar cookie and hot chocolate event for undergraduate students to celebrate the end of the semester. At the event, students had the opportunity to chat with each other and with faculty. Overall, the event went well, and the department is excited to offer more events like this in the future.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
Exploring Opportunities: Statistics Department at the Majors Fair
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the Department of Statistics proudly represented its programs at the annual Majors Fair held in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. This event brought together over 70 major and minor degree programs from across Iowa State University, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore academic options and connect with faculty and staff.
The Majors Fair is designed for students who are undecided, considering a change in their major, exploring options for a second major, or interested in adding a minor. Our booth offered insights into the exciting opportunities available within the Department of Statistics, including coursework, research prospects, and career paths in data analysis, survey methodology, and beyond.
Academic advisors Christina Brady and Snow Gray from the department enjoyed engaging with students, answering their questions, and sharing how a background in statistics can be a powerful tool for success in a variety of fields. We look forward to welcoming new faces to the Department of Statistics in the coming semesters!
Resources
- Stay up to date by visiting the Department of Statistics website
- Support the department's mission by making a donation
- Do you have news to share with friends and alums of Statistics at ISU? If so, please send your news (attached photos encouraged) to statnews@iastate.edu.