Contents
News
Join the Department of Statistics JSM Reception for Alumni and Friends in Portland, OR
Friends of the Iowa State Department of Statistics who will attend the Joint Statistical Meeting in Portland are invited to join us for our departmental reception, which takes place 5:45-6:45 PM on Tuesday, August 6, in the H-Willamette 5 of the Hyatt Regency Portland.
Iowa State University Launches New Master of Applied Statistics Program
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is pleased to announce the launch of the new Master of Applied Statistics (MAS) degree program, set to begin in Fall 2025. This innovative program is designed to address the growing need for statistical training in today's data-driven world.
The MAS program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a job market seeking statistical talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, statistician is among the fastest-growing occupations, with projected employment increases over 30% from 2022 to 2032. The MAS program will help students gain expertise in designing data collection and analysis processes, utilizing modern statistical computing technologies, and applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance data insights.
A unique feature of the MAS program is its fully online coursework, allowing students to complete the 30-credit program in just 15 months if enrolled full-time. The program also provides flexibility for working professionals who wish to balance their careers with advanced education through asynchronous online courses. Additionally, the program includes statistical consulting coursework and credit for work experience gained through internships or current employment, distinguishing it from other programs offered by the department. Read More.
Daniel Mowrey's Gift Empowers Statistical Consulting at Iowa State University
In the realm of academia, the impact of generosity can often extend far beyond monetary value. For the past recipients of the Daniel H. Mowrey Graduate Statistics Consulting Award, this sentiment rings particularly true. Their stories of growth, recognition, and professional development underscore the profound significance of Mowrey's contribution. From sharpening problem-solving skills to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, the award has served as a catalyst for excellence in statistical consulting and research.
As the statistical community at Iowa State University continues to thrive, the legacy of the Daniel H. Mowrey Graduate Statistics Consulting Award remains steadfast. Past recipients, now leaders in their respective fields, stand as testaments to the enduring impact of Mowrey's philanthropy. Their collective achievements serve as inspiration for future generations of statisticians, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, recognition, and support in academic pursuits.
Past recipients were asked to share their professional accomplishments and recognitions, experiences at Iowa State University, and the impact these experiences had on their careers. Read more.
Nettleton Appointed to Second Term
With a demonstrated record of building community within the department and effectively managing resources, Dan Nettleton has been approved to continue leading Iowa State University’s Department of Statistics.
Nettleton, distinguished professor and Laurence H. Baker Endowed Chair in Biological Statistics, was first appointed chair of the department in 2019. His reappointment will take effect July 1 for another five-year term.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce Dan’s reappointment as department chair,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “During his first five years in the role as a collaborative leader, he has made great strides with the department, moving it forward from excellence to even more excellence, and is a sought-after partner in both CALS and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.” Read More.
Statistics Alumnus Shu Yang Receives COPSS Emerging Leader Award
Shu Yang, Iowa State University alumnus and associate professor of statistics at NC State University, has been selected for the Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies (COPSS) Emerging Leader Award for her contributions to the field of statistical science. This award recognizes early career statistical scientists who exhibit leadership and the potential to shape and strengthen the discipline.
Yang graduated from Iowa State University in 2014, where she co-majored in statistics and mathematics. After her undergraduate studies, Yang pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. In 2016, she joined NC State as a faculty member and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2021. Congratulations to Shu Yang on this well-deserved achievement.
Department of Statistics Alumnus, Col. Nicholas Clark, Featured in Amstat News
Alumnus Col. Nicholas Clark, was featured in the March 2024 issue of Amstat News, the official news source of the American Statistical Association. Clark, associate professor in the department of mathematical sciences at West Point, was featured for his work promoting data literacy within the U.S. Army.
Clark's contributions as an associate professor at West Point have been instrumental in advancing data literacy within the U.S. Army. His creation of the 10-hour Data Literacy 101 course and his efforts to enhance the Center for Data Analysis and Statistics reflect a commitment to equipping military personnel with essential statistical skills.
Through these initiatives, Clark has empowered officers and soldiers to leverage data effectively in operational contexts, aligning with the evolving priorities of the U.S. Army.
Alumni Andee Kaplan Recieves National Science Foundation CAREER Award
Congratulations to Andee Kaplan on receiving a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award! Dr. Kaplan earned MS (2014) and PhD (2017) degrees in statistics at Iowa State and is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Statistics at Colorado State University. Dr. Kaplan’s CAREER award focuses on the development of flexible Bayesian record linkage models for connecting information across multiple datasets. The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is the National Science Foundation's most prestigious award for early-career faculty.
Thomas Pollard and The Department of Statistics Featured in Forbes
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University gained national recognition with an alumni feature in Forbes called “How Ex-Runner Thomas Pollard Became Iowa State’s Basketball Analytics Guru.” This article highlights Pollard’s journey into the world of sports analytics and underscores the department's impact beyond traditional academic spheres.
In Pollard's narrative, Professor Dan Nettleton, the department chair, shares his experience working with Pollard on a statistics project that predicted the results of that year’s NCAA cross country championships.
Additionally, a notable paper authored by Nettleton and Chancellor Johnstone, titled "Using Conformal Win Probability to Predict the Winners of the Canceled 2020 NCAA Basketball Tournaments," is linked in the article.
Iowa State University Students at ASA Iowa Chapter Meeting
On April 12, 2024, students from Iowa State University's Department of Statistics attended the American Statistical Association (ASA) Iowa Chapter Meeting, held at the University of Iowa's College of Public Health Building in Iowa City.
The event featured a Student Poster Competition and Business Meeting and attracted around 50 attendees.
The highlight of the meeting was the Student Poster Competition, Iowa State graduate students Mingyue Hu, Mehnuma Tabassum, and Zirou Zhou presented posters. Mingyue Hu's poster, titled "Estimating Control Total Acres for Desired Geographies Using Cropland Data Layer," earned her the Most Impactful Poster Award.
Additionally, Anyesha Ray conducted a presentation on Statistics in the Community (STATCOM) at Iowa State University. She shared insights into how STATCOM offers statistical expertise to local governmental and nonprofit organizations, highlighting the department's dedication to community outreach and service.
Department Hosts AP® Statistics Mock Exam
On April 27, the Department of Statistics hosted its annual AP® Statistics Mock Exam. The event served two main purposes; to help high school teachers learn how AP® Statistics Exams are scored and to prepare high school students for the actual AP® Statistics Exam.
The event was organized by Statistics faculty member Laura Ziegler. Many faculty members provided help to make the event a success including Anna Peterson (ISU), Wesley Cox (ISU), and Barb Barnet (AP® Statistics Chief Reader and ISU alum). Assistance also came from Iowa State undergraduate students Viridiana Garcia and Ryan Nagao and graduate student Nathan Friedrichsen.
AP® is a trademark registered by College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse Iowa State University’s (events, programs, etc.)
Statistics Faculty Participate in Go Further Conference
Faculty in the Department of Statistics has started joining efforts to get students interested in Statistics. On March 26th and April 4th, we participated in the Go Further Conference organized by the Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE). The conference is for 8-10th grade girls.
Laura Ziegler organized an activity about Smelling Parkinson’s. The activity is about Joy Milne who was able to identify whether or not someone had Parkinson’s using her sense of smell. To test her claim, Joy was presented with 12 different shirts, each worn by a different person, some of whom had Parkinson’s and some of whom did not. The shirts were given to Joy in a random order and she had to decide whether each shirt was worn by a Parkinson’s patient or not. She identified 11 out of 12 correctly. The person she incorrectly identified as having Parkinson’s later developed Parkinson’s.
In the activity, students conducted a simulation to investigate how likely it is to randomly guess 11 or 12 correct out of 12, and discussed whether or not there is sufficient evidence to claim that Joy could smell Parkinson’s. Students had a lot of fun “smelling” cards with pictures of shirts on them and making guesses. For those of you that are curious, since this discovery, dogs have been trained to smell for Parkinson’s (e.g., PADs for Parkinson’s), researchers were able to isolate the chemical that Joy was smelling, and a swab test has been created to test for Parkinson’s claimed to be 95% accurate.
Thank you to all of you who helped make this happen:
Statistics Faculty: Laura Ziegler, Anna Peterson, Wenting Xu, Emily Berg, Peng Liu, and Karin Dorman
Statistics Undergraduate Student: Brielle Hinners, Ally Loomis, Viridiana Garcia, Niia Dimry, Solomiya Kovalenko
Statistics Graduate Students: Kazeem Ogunsusi and Nathan Friedrichsen
Congratulations to Mack Shelley for the publication of the paper “Perception of hallucinogen use risks and associated hallucinogen use in the United States: Results from a large national sample.” This paper was published in the Journal of Substance Use.
Yen-Han Lee, Yen-Chang Chang, Yu-Chi Chi, Mack Shelley, and Stephan Arndt, “Perception of hallucinogen use risks and associated hallucinogen use in the United States: Results from a large national sample,” Journal of Substance Use (2024).
Abstract:
The manuscript addresses the proposition that individuals who perceived hallucinogens as a high-risk substance may have lower odds of using hallucinogens.
Data were extracted from three waves (2017–2019) of the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Two measurements evaluating perception of hallucinogen use risks were selected: (1) risk trying LSD once or twice (unweighted n = 61,982) and (2) risk using LSD once or twice a week (unweighted n = 23,734).
The study examined the associations of perceptions of hallucinogen use risks with self-reported use of LSD and other types of hallucinogens. We used a nationally representative dataset with non-institutionalized respondents, to study this topic of interest. In addition, we used the sample weights from the NSDUH sampling scheme and Taylor series linearization to adjust standard errors for the complex sample design, to produce nationally representative estimates. Respondents who perceived hallucinogen use as moderate or great risk, regardless of the duration, had lower odds of consuming LSD and other types of hallucinogens, compared with those who perceived hallucinogen use as no or slight risk.
Multivariable logistic regressions were estimated following propensity score matching. The results showed that respondents who thought trying LSD once or twice may bring moderate to great risks to human health were less likely to use LSD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.21; p < .01) and other types of hallucinogens (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.27; p < .01). Respondents who thought using LSD once or twice per week may bring moderate to great risks to human health also were less likely to use LSD (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.31; p < .01) and other types of hallucinogens (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.40; p < .01).
Increasing perception of hallucinogen use and emphasizing responsible use through educational protocols might be key directions for further preventive strategies to support injury or psychological trauma prevention after taking hallucinogens, analogous to the harm reduction approach. Public health efforts may implement messages regarding recreational hallucinogen use risks to increase the perception of the general public through media reports and popular culture. Health-care workers also need to increase their perception when prescribing specific medical hallucinogens to patients through professional training. More research is needed to corroborate the current findings and examine the effectiveness of interventions for increasing perception.
Student Achievements
Spring 2024 Graduate Research Awards from the Department of Statistics
Three individuals from the Department of Statistics have received Spring 2024 Graduate Research Excellence Awards.
Eva Biswas (Nominator: Somak Dutta)
Nomination statement: Eva Biswas has demonstrated outstanding research achievements. She has made remarkable contributions to theory and methods for time series, functional data, Markov random fields, directional statistics, and applications of statistical methods in plant science. She has two published papers, two under major revision, and is working on finishing four more.
Yonghyun Kwon (Nominator: Jae-Kwang Kim)
Nomination statement: Yonghyun has recently completed his PhD. His academic portfolio includes four papers that have been published or accepted in peer-reviewed journals, along with one paper currently under review by the Journal of the American Statistical Association (JASA).
Yunhui Qi (Nominator: Peng Liu)
Nomination statement: Yunhui Qi is a dedicated researcher in statistics and a great collaborator with biologists. She has a genuine interest in research and has made significant advancements in several challenging problems in multi-omics data analysis.
Congratulations to these exemplary scholars for their achievements and contributions to statistical research.
Five Statistics Graduate Students Earn Teaching Excellence Awards
Five statistics graduate students have received Teaching Excellence Awards (TEX Awards) this year. These awards recognize the outstanding teaching achievements of Yichuan Bai, Wangqian Ju, Caleb Leedy, Payton Miloser, and Hao Wang.
Yichuan Bai taught STAT 2260: Introduction to Business Statistics and STAT 3210: Probability and Statistical Inference for Engineers. Wangqian Ju taught DS 2020: Data Acquisition and Exploratory Data Analysis, marking the first time a graduate student has instructed this course. Caleb Leedy and Payton Miloser both taught STAT 1010: Principles of Statistics, a fundamental course for many undergraduates. Hao Wang taught STAT 3300: Probability and Statistics for Computer Science and STAT 3050: Engineering Statistics.
The TEX Awards celebrate the impactful role of graduate student instructors, with up to 10% of those involved in teaching recognized annually. Each recipient receives a letter of commendation from the Iowa State President, a certificate signed by the President and Graduate Dean, an honor cord for commencement, and an official transcript notation.
Eligibility for the TEX Awards requires graduate students to have teaching responsibilities and at least two terms of teaching experience. Departments manage the selection process, using criteria such as direct observations and student feedback to identify deserving candidates.
The Department of Statistics congratulates Yichuan Bai, Wangqian Ju, Caleb Leedy, Payton Miloser, and Hao Wang on their well-deserved TEX Awards. We thank them for their important contributions to our program and look forward to their continued success and lasting impact on our academic community.
Yuyang Li Wins ASA Student Paper Award
Congratulations to Statistics graduate student Yuyang Li. Her paper, titled 'Quantile Regression and Machine Learning in Option Trading: Unraveling Risk Differences between Physical and Risk-Neutral Densities in the S&P 500 Index,' has been selected for the 2024 Student Paper Award in the ASA Section on Risk Analysis. She will receive a cash prize of $600 and will present her work at JSM 2024, which takes place in August in Portland, Oregon.
Yuhang Lin Wins ASA Student Paper Award
Congratulations to Statistics graduate student Yuhang (Tom) Lin. His paper, titled 'A Reproducible Pipeline for Extracting Representative Signals from Wire Cuts,' has been selected for the 2024 Student Paper Award in the ASA Section on Statistical Graphics. He will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and will present his work at JSM 2024, which takes place in August in Portland, Oregon.
Undergraduate Students Secure 2nd Place in USPROC
Four students from Iowa State University's Department of Statistics have achieved success in the Undergraduate Statistics Project Competition (USPROC). The team, comprised of Evan Moon, Angel Hastings, Riley Wheeler, and Wyatt Spohn, secured 2nd place in the Intermediate Statistics category for their project titled "Predicting Student Overall Course Grades Using Sex, Midterm Exam Scores, and the Semester and Year the Students Took the Course."
Under the guidance of instructor Laura Ziegler, teaching professor, the project focused on utilizing statistical analysis to forecast student course grades by examining various factors, including sex, midterm exam scores, and the semester and year in which the students took the course. This accomplishment not only underscores the students' technical proficiency but also highlights their ability to apply statistical methods to real-world scenarios.
The USPROC competition, organized by CAUSE and ASA, attracts submissions from undergraduate students globally, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their analytical skills and innovative approaches to data analysis.
Graduate Student, Mingyue Hu Receives a 2024 JSM Travel Award
Mingyue Hu, statistics graduate assistant, has been awarded a 2024 JSM Student Travel Award by the Survey Research Methods Section (SRMS). As one of the recipients, she will have the opportunity to present her research at the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM), a premier gathering for statisticians and data scientists worldwide.
Attending JSM not only offers Mingyue a platform to showcase her work but also facilitates valuable networking and collaboration opportunities. Supported by the SRMS, this achievement reflects both Mingyue's individual excellence and the supportive environment within the statistical community for emerging talents like herself.
Xintao Xia, Statistics Graduate Student, Receives IMS Hannan Graduate Student Travel Award
Xintao Xia, a graduate student in the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University, has been selected to receive an Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS) Hannan Graduate Student Travel Award.
The award is a testament to Xia's academic excellence and dedication to advancing statistical research. As a recipient of this award, Xia will receive financial support covering travel expenses, including airline tickets, accommodations, and registration fees, up to $500.
Named in honor of James F. Hannan, a distinguished mathematician and Fellow of the IMS, the IMS Hannan Graduate Student Travel Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise in statistical research. Hannan's contributions to compound decision theory and empirical Bayes decision theory continue to inspire young researchers like Xia, who aspire to make meaningful advancements in the field of statistics.
Four Statistics Majors Invited to Join Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Four statistics majors at Iowa State University have been invited to join Phi Beta Kappa. Emily Allen, Zachary Swayne, Allison Loomis, and Charles Teggatz have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.
Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honorary society in the United States with a history dating back to its founding at the College of William and Mary in 1776.
Membership is exclusive. Only about 10% of colleges and universities in the United States have chapters. Of these chapters, only about 10% of their liberal arts and sciences students will be invited to join. To qualify, students must be pursuing a bachelor's degree, demonstrate good moral character, and excel in liberal arts and sciences studies.
In addition to the honor of membership, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will cover the lifetime membership fee for the newly invited students.
These four students serve as examples of dedication, scholarship, and intellectual curiosity within the university community and beyond. Their achievements are a source of pride for the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University and a testament to the value of rigorous academic inquiry and pursuit of knowledge.
Faculty Achievements
A Miller Faculty Fellowship Award was granted for the proposal "STEMLEAD AI for BIOL 101: STEM Learning Enhancement and Development through Artificial Intelligence for Undergraduate Students in Introductory Biology Courses." Mack Shelley, university professor in the Department of Statistics, will serve as Co-Principal Investigator on the team pioneering innovative approaches to undergraduate education.
Led by E.J. Bahng, associate professor in the School of Education, the project secured funding in the amount of $50,000 for its initiatives. Shelley's role in the successful proposal highlights his dedication to enhancing undergraduate learning experiences. His expertise and leadership enrich the project's potential impact on student education.
The Miller Faculty Fellowship Program, supported by the F. Wendell Miller Trust, provides opportunities for faculty to enhance scholarly work and develop innovative approaches to enhance student learning. Recipients have up to 12 months to meet the goals of their Fellowship project. Administered by the President’s Office and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the program reflects the legacy of F. Wendell Miller's generosity and commitment to advancing the university’s strategic plan.
Iowa State Recognizes Department of Statistics Members for 25 Years of Service
Philip Dixon and Michael Brekke, esteemed members of the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University, were honored last week for their 25 years of dedicated service during the 89th Annual Iowa State University 25 Year Club banquet.
The 25 Year Club, established in 1934, recognizes individuals who have reached milestones of 25, 35, 45, or 50 years of continuous service. Held on April 1st, 2024, this year's banquet recognized Dixon and Brekke for their 25 years of service and dedication to Iowa State University.
Dixon, part of Iowa State University since 1998, has contributed significantly to teaching, research, and service endeavors. His extensive contributions to Iowa State University were recognized in 2011 when he was named university professor. As an Associate Editor for prestigious journals and an active member of professional societies and university committees, he demonstrates a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and advancement in statistical knowledge.
Brekke serves as the IT Coordinator within the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University. Since joining the department, Mike has played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of IT systems and infrastructure. His dedication to providing technical support and expertise has been instrumental in supporting the department's academic and research endeavors.
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is proud to celebrate Philip Dixon and Mike Brekke their achievements and unwavering dedication.
Congratulations to Dr. Danica Ommen for the National Institute of Justice Award for Statistical Foundations of Score-Based Methods in Forensic Identification of Source Problems for which she is the Co-Principal Investigator.
Score-based likelihood ratios are a popular method of analyzing and interpreting forensic evidence, but recent research has shown several deficits in using them. The project aims to develop a set of guiding principles for retaining desirable statistical properties when using this method. The advancement will make it possible to leverage high-performing machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze and interpret forensic evidence such as that obtained from improvised explosive devices.
Petruța Caragea, professor and associate chair in the Department of Statistics, has been selected as a recipient of the Cassling Family Faculty Award for the 2023-24 academic year. This esteemed award, presented annually by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching.
The award was established by Randal and Lori Cassling of Omaha, Nebraska in honor of Randal's parents. The college does not accept nominations for this award, instead recipients are chosen from among candidates nominated for other teaching awards within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. These nominations are carefully reviewed and considered by a selection committee.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host a ceremony to formally recognize Caragea's achievement later this fall. This acknowledgment highlights her dedication and exceptional teaching methodologies that have profoundly impacted the educational experience of students at Iowa State University.
The Department of Statistics extends its warmest congratulations to Petruța Caragea on this achievement.
Daniel Nordman Recognized for Exceptional Graduate Mentoring
Daniel Nordman, professor and Dale D. Grosvenor Chair, has been honored with the 2023-24 LAS Award for Excellence in Graduate Mentoring. This award recognizes Nordman's outstanding dedication to mentoring graduate students.
The selection process for the LAS Award for Excellence in Graduate Mentoring involves nominations restricted to members of the LAS Graduate Faculty who have chaired at least six graduate student committees. Recipients are chosen based on evidence of outstanding performance as a graduate mentor, supported by testimonials from students and letters of support from peers.
Nordman's selection for this accolade underscores his exceptional performance as a graduate mentor. Through his steadfast support, Nordman has played a pivotal role in guiding students beyond graduation, contributing significantly to their academic and professional development.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will formally acknowledge Nordman's achievement at the upcoming LAS Fall Convocation and Awards Ceremony, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The Department of Statistics extends its sincere congratulations to Daniel Nordman on this well-deserved honor and wishes him continued success in his career at Iowa State University.
Dan Nettleton Recognized with LAS Award for Outstanding Departmental Leadership
Dan Nettleton, Distinguished Professor and Chair, has received of the 2023-24 LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Departmental Leadership.
Nettleton's exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to advancing faculty, staff, students, and programs have earned him this recognition.
The selection process for this award involves a committee of colleagues carefully reviewing nominees based on specific criteria. Nominees are evaluated on their leadership in advancing departmental programs and initiatives, creating a conducive environment for faculty, staff, and students, supporting career development, effectively addressing concerns, representing the department professionally, and contributing to academic endeavors.
The award acknowledges Nettleton's significant contributions in various aspects of departmental leadership. From fostering a supportive climate for students, faculty, and staff to effectively managing day-to-day operations, Nettleton has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing the department's goals and objectives.
The Department of Statistics congratulates Dan Nettleton on this well-deserved honor, recognizing his exemplary service and leadership within the university community.
Ranjan Maitra Honored with LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research
Ranjan Maitra, professor and associate chair for research, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023-24 LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research. This award recognizes faculty members for their achievements in research and creative activity.
The award celebrates Maitra's outstanding contributions to the field of statistics. Throughout his academic career, Professor Maitra has demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing research and making impactful contributions to his discipline.
Nominations for the LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research originate within departments and undergo review by the college before submission to the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria, including having an independent academic career of more than 13 years and demonstrating outstanding research accomplishments evaluated by peers and experts in the field.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will formally acknowledge Maitra's achievement at the upcoming LAS Fall Convocation and Awards Ceremony, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The Department of Statistics congratulates Ranjan Maitra on this well-deserved honor and extends best wishes for continued success in his academic endeavors at Iowa State University.
Philip Dixon Receives LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
Philip Dixon, university professor, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023-24 LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice. The award recognizes Dixon's exceptional leadership in extension and professional practice, along with his significant contributions to outreach activities.
The LAS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice aims to acknowledge faculty, campus staff, or field staff members who have demonstrated outstanding performance in leadership in extension and/or professional practice, achieving national recognition for their contributions to outreach activities. Eligible recipients must have at least 10 years of service at Iowa State in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will honor Dixon's achievement at the LAS Fall Convocation and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Dixon's selection for this award highlights his contributions to the university's outreach mission, as testified by peers and clients. His dedication and leadership in extending the impact of statistical knowledge beyond academia exemplify the spirit of the award.
The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University extends its warmest congratulations to Philip Dixon for this well-deserved honor.
Emily Berg Recognized with LAS Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research
Emily Berg, associate professor, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023-24 LAS Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research. This prestigious honor recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in research and creative activity at the mid-career stage.
Nominations for the award originate within departments and undergo thorough review by the college before being submitted to the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost. Recipients of the LAS Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research must be tenured or tenure-track faculty members who have had independent academic careers of 6 to 13 years and a minimum of three years of appointment at Iowa State University. Berg's commitment to research excellence and her contributions to the academic community make her a deserving recipient of this distinguished award.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will honor Berg's achievement at the LAS Fall Convocation and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The Department of Statistics extends its heartfelt congratulations to Emily Berg on this well-deserved recognition and wishes her continued success in her career at Iowa State University.
Faculty Honored at College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Faculty Excellence Awards
Lynna Chu, assistant professor, and Daniel Nordman, professor and Dale G. Grosvenor Chair, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching and scholarship at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Faculty Excellence Awards Ceremony held on Monday, February 19.
Chu was awarded the Cassling Family Faculty Award for Early Achievement in Teaching. Additionally, she recieved the ISU Award for Early Achievement in Teaching, further highlighting her remarkable impact on the academic community at Iowa State University. This award recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding teaching performance early in their professional careers and acknowledges their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning.
Nordman has been named Dale D. Grosvenor Chair in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University. This chair was established through the generosity of the late Dr. Dale D. Grosvenor, a former ISU faculty member who received a Ph.D. in Statistics from Iowa State and served as a faculty member in the Department of Statistics, the ISU Computation Center, and the Department of Computer Science. Professor Nordman began a three-year appointment as the Grosvenor Chair on July 1, 2023.
Both Chu and Nordman exemplify the spirit of academic excellence and innovation that defines the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University. Their dedication to teaching and scholarship serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike, further enriching the vibrant academic community within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Congratulations to Lynna Chu and Daniel Nordman on their well-deserved accolades.
Spring Social Events
Statistics Department Spring Breakfast
On May 4th, the Statistics Department hosted a Spring Breakfast/Brunch event at Inis Grove Park's Walnut Shelter. Organized by the Statistics Social Committee, the gathering welcomed students, faculty, staff, and their families for a morning filled with delicious food and outdoor fun.
Attendees were treated to a spread. Professor Mark Kaiser prepared his take on Eggs Sofrito. There were also breakfast burrito bowls and freshly made crêpes with various toppings. Starbucks coffee provided the perfect accompaniment to the dishes.
The event buzzed with energy as attendees mingled and socialized, enjoying the opportunity to connect with one another in a relaxed setting. The children in attendance played on the playground nearby, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Overall, the Statistics Department Spring Breakfast/Brunch was a success, bringing together members of the department and their loved ones for a morning together.
2024 International Dinner and Talent Show
On April 13, the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University hosted an International Dinner and Talent Show. The event brought together faculty, staff, and students for an evening of culinary delights and entertainment. Attendees enjoyed a pot-luck style dinner featuring a wide array of dishes from around the world.
Following the dinner, the talent show showcased the multifaceted talents of the department's members. From enchanting musical performances by Anna Peterson, Arthur Wang, Siray Zhu, and Haoyang Guo to captivating ensembles featuring Philip and Janet Dixon alongside Marie Hardt, each act provided a glimpse into the passions and interests of the statisticians when they're not crunching numbers.
The event highlighted the vibrant talents and sense of community within the Department of Statistics at Iowa State University.
STATers Host Pasta, Poker, and ASA Memberships
Graduate students from the Department of Statistics came together for a night of pasta, poker, and ASA memberships in an event hosted by the graduate student organization STATers Friday, March 1. The event aimed to introduce students to the benefits of joining the American Statistical Association (ASA) while providing a chance for socializing and networking.
The evening began with a spread from Noodles & Company, allowing attendees to mingle and learn about ASA membership perks, including subscriptions to esteemed statistical publications and exclusive discounts on professional development opportunities. The department covered the cost of a year-long ASA membership for all participants, valued at $30 each.
Following dinner, students gathered for a few friendly rounds of poker. For those new to the game, knowledgeable faculty and graduate students offered introductory lessons, ensuring everyone could participate.
"Pasta, Poker, and ASA Memberships" was a huge success, highlighting the department's commitment to fostering both academic and social growth among its students. The event facilitated meaningful connections and provided attendees with ASA memberships that will create more opportunities for them in the field of statistics.
Spring 2024 Seminar Recap
Thank you to all of our guest presenters for our Spring 2024 Seminar series.
Assistant Professor of Statistics
Drake University
Vistied February 12, 2024
Reduced-Rank Envelope Vector Autoregressive Model
Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Visited February 19, 2024
Beyond Matrices: Nonparametric Tensor Estimation and Application
Assistant Professor of Statistics
University of Michigan
Visited February 26, 2024
Representation Learning: A Causal Perspective
Assistant Professor
University of Iowa
Visited March 4, 2024
BCLR: a Flexible, Interpretable Bayesian Changepoint Method Via Logistic Regression
Associate Professor
Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin
Visited March 18, 2024
Making Sense with Bits and Pieces of Information: Collaborative Statistical Learning
Nanyang Technological University Associate Professor of Operations Research and Statistics
MIT Sloan School of Management
Visited March 25, 2024
Algorithmic Aspects of Statistical Learning with Combinatorial Structures
Assistant Professor
Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Iowa
Visited April 1, 2024
Professor and Director of Undergraduate Program
Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University
Visited April 8, 2024
Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Chair
University of Missouri
Visited April 15, 2024
Flexible and Efficient Spatial Extremes Estimation and Emulation via Variational Autoencoders
A. Russell Chandler III Chair and Professor
Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta
Visited April 29, 2024
Resources
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