News

The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University hosted its annual International Dinner and Talent Show on April 18, 2026, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and their families for an evening celebrating culture and community. 

Ryan Jensen chose to major in data science because it was a combination of what he was good at – math, statistics, and computer science. He appreciated the ability to concentrate on a specific part of data science.

Carter Kephart will graduate in Spring 2027 with a double major in statistics and biology. Prior to college, he had goals of working in math and/or science, and his degree combines interests.

Six statistics majors at Iowa State University have been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Matt Pischke found interest in statistics and math throughout high school but ultimately decided on his major after realizing how it answered questions.  

Three Iowa State University statistics students attended the 2026 Connecticut Sports Analytics Symposium (CSAS), held April 10-11 at the University of Connecticut.

Lilly Otter entered Iowa State University as a animal ecology major and was devastated to have zero math classes on her initial freshman year schedule.

Doug Jensen, a senior data and analytics executive and a recent winner of the Iowa State University Department of Statistics Outstanding Alumni Award, spoke to the department undergraduate and graduate students about the role of statistics in the

Izzy Nau’s knowledge of probability has helped her to become undefeated in euchre with her friends. She also uses this same knowledge for other card games or games of chance.

The Department of Statistics is proud to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the Wayne Fuller Graduate Scholarship:

The Undergraduate Statistics Club and Data Science Club made data collection a hands-on experience at STEAM Night, hosted by Ames School District's Edwards and Mitchell Elementary Parent and Teacher Associations.

Gabe Sevde is a psychology major with minors in Spanish and statistics. He will graduate in spring 2026 and attend graduate school at Minnesota State University.

Jenna Quigley graduated with a double major in mathematics and statistics and actuarial science certificate in spring 2025.

Sydney McIntosh took several statistics courses while working towards her psychology degree, and she realized the value of a statistics minor.

Thenuki De Mel’s favorite part of being a statistics major is being able to apply statistics into any department, “I liked how you can use statistics to kind of explain the world. It's in every kind of field.” 

Vrindha Vegiraju and Abi Garden, both statistics undergraduate students, were part of the second-place winning team at the Data Visualization and Storytelling Case Competition. The event took place on March 4, 2026. 

Graduate student Ryan Mullins (center) claimed victory at the Department of Statistics' annual Game/Poker Night, dethroning last year's champion Jingtao Shang (left), who finished in second place.

Megan Mason changed her major to statistics because she realized how much she enjoyed predictive modeling and data visualization.  

The Department of Statistics is using Instagram to connect with students, alumni, faculty, and staff. 

Nicole Dembny entered Iowa State University knowing that she enjoyed the process of discovering new information.