On May 8, the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University celebrated the career and upcoming retirement of Associate Professor Huaiqing Wu with a reception in Snedecor Hall. Colleagues, students, and friends gathered to reflect on Wu’s lasting contributions to the department and the field of statistics, enjoying refreshments and a brief program recognizing his achievements.
Wu joined Iowa State in August 1997, following the completion of his Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Michigan. Over the past 28 years, he has played a central role in the department’s teaching and research missions, developing a reputation for excellence in experimental design, engineering statistics, reliability, and statistical learning.
His teaching excellence was recognized with several honors, including the LAS Master Teacher Award in 2010 and the LAS Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2016.
Wu’s mentorship has left a lasting mark on the department's graduate programs. He served as the major professor for 30 graduate students and contributed to the committees of more than 200 others. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government—a testament to his steady support as an advisor.
Beyond the classroom, Wu maintained an active research agenda, contributing important work in experimental design, engineering statistics, and reliability. He was recognized with the Jack Youden Prize for Best Expository Paper in Technometrics in 2002 and is currently part of a research team supported by a $1.9 million NIH grant.
Wu also played a vital role behind the scenes. He took on service responsibilities with diligence and professionalism, often stepping up during times of departmental need. Whether reviewing graduate programs, managing committee work, or mentoring junior faculty, he is known for his thoughtful, meticulous approach.
The department thanks Dr. Wu for his years of dedication and wishes him all the best in retirement.
See photos from the reception below:
