The Department of Statistics is proud to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the Wayne Fuller Graduate Scholarship:
- Harry Hawbaker
- Ryan Mullins
- Natalia Vélez-Ríos
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 2025-2026 recipients join a growing group of scholars who carry forward the values of excellence and innovation that Dr. Fuller has exemplified throughout his career.
Read about the 2024-2025 Wayne Fuller Graduate Scholarship Recipients.
From the Recipients:
Harry Hawbaker
"Upon learning I was the recipient of the statistics scholarship in Dr. Fuller’s name, I was surprised and incredibly honored. Having this honor was a strong sign of encouragement and support as I transitioned from undergraduate studies in physics to graduate studies in statistics. I am very grateful to the donors of the scholarship, the Iowa State Department of Statistics, and Dr. Fuller himself for this recognition and for the opportunity to join such a welcoming, world-class department.
This award serves as a springboard for me as I climb further into academia. It has helped me get my feet on the ground quickly so that I can focus on what I want to learn and who I want to become. Currently, what I want to learn is survey statistics and what I'd like to become is either a teaching professor of statistics or a government data analyst/statistician.
I originally moved from Peoria, Illinois to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to pursue an undergraduate degree in mathematics, physics, and data science from Coe College, where I developed a passion for merging mathematical and statistical theory with reality. Now, I can continue refining that passion at Iowa State."
Ryan Mullins
"My name is Ryan Mullins, and I am a first-year Ph.D. student. I sincerely appreciate your support of the Fuller Scholarship, as it has encouraged me to pursue my research, engage in the department, and grow as a student in countless ways.
I am a native Iowan, and after graduating from high school in the Des Moines metro area, I chose to study mathematics and economics at Iowa State. When I became interested in graduate school for statistics, Iowa State was the obvious choice.
As a first-year student, I am working toward a strong foundation in statistical theory while exploring research interests in statistical computing, with hopes of applying this work to nondestructive evaluation. The Fuller Scholarship has lightened my financial load, allowing me to focus on my studies and my contributions to the department and the larger scientific community."
Natalia Vélez-Ríos
"I was honored to receive the Fuller Scholarship upon my acceptance into the Statistics Ph.D. program. Coming from a pure mathematics background, I was initially worried that my transition into statistics would be difficult, and being offered this scholarship showed me that Iowa State believed in my abilities.
I grew up in the Bronx, New York and attended Vassar College, where I pursued mathematics alongside creative writing. Through my experience at the DRUMS REU at North Carolina State University, I was introduced to the usefulness of statistics. After modeling fatality count data with time series, I was hooked on using mathematics to address real-world problems.
Though I am still envisioning the path my studies will follow, I am currently considering co-majoring in psychology and hope to use statistics to support research in mindfulness, empathy, and peace. The Fuller Scholarship has given me the financial stability to prioritize my studies and stay connected with my family, and I am extremely appreciative of this award as a show of confidence in my education and career aspirations."