Jordan Pelkmans is the new Statistical Consulting Manager for the Department of Statistics Consulting Group. She started in September 2026.
Before joining Iowa State, Pelkmans spent five years working in statistical consulting at Emory University School of Nursing. She moved to Ames with her husband, who joined the Department of Agronomy faculty. The move was an opportunity to, "work for the cradle of American statistics,” she said.
Pelkmans brings a diverse background in statistical consulting and research. Her work has included nursing research, housing and homelessness analytics for a regional government, and graduate research focused on rare disease surveillance system design.
One of her favorite aspects of the department is the variety of projects and disciplines supported through statistical consulting. “I love statistics, but I also love learning about each subject and project we apply it to,” she said.
Among her professional accomplishments, Pelkmans is most proud of mentoring students and helping them develop confidence in their abilities as scientists.
The Department of Statistics is excited to welcome Pelkmans and looks forward to the expertise and leadership she brings to the statistical consulting program.