Purdue announces new head of the Department of Statistics
04-16-2024
Xiao Wang, J.O. Berger and M.E. Bock Professor of Statistics (Purdue University Photo/Alisha Referda)
Purdue University College of Science named Professor Xiao Wang as head of the Department of Statistics, effective Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
After a competitive search, Purdue University has announced Xiao Wang, J.O. Berger and M.E. Bock Professor of Statistics, will take on the role of head of the Department of Statistics, effective immediately. Wang joined Purdue University as an assistant professor in 2009 and has served as interim head since August 2023.
“Professor Xiao Wang brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for future growth,” said Lucy Flesch, Fredrick L. Hovde Dean in the College of Science.
“His dedication to innovative statistical education and research aligns perfectly with the department's rich history of excellence,” said Flesch.
Wang will lead a dynamic department with 37 faculty members and 374 driven undergraduate and graduate students. This community of learners is a testament to the rich legacy of the Department of Statistics at Purdue University, which was formed in 1968, developing from a thriving program in the Division of Mathematical Sciences within the College of Science.
With this historical foundation as a springboard, Wang's vision for the department is poised to shape its future trajectory. His expertise in nonparametric statistics, functional data analysis, and machine learning will infuse the department with fresh perspectives and cutting-edge methodologies.
Wang received his PhD in statistics from the University of Michigan in 2005. His research interests lie in nonparametric statistics, functional data analysis, and machine learning, with particular emphasis on developing methods for high-dimensional and complex data. Wang is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS) and a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA). Currently Wang serves as an associate editor for Journal of the American Statistical Association (JASA), Technometrics, and Lifetime Data Analysis.
"As the newly-appointed head of the Department of Statistics at Purdue, I am honored to inherit a legacy of excellence. My vision is one of innovation, where we not only uphold our traditions but also pioneer new pathways in statistical education and research. My aim is to empower our students to lead the charge in the dynamic field of data science, shaping the future of statistical inquiry and application,” said Wang.
He added, “In our data-driven era, statistical proficiency is imperative across all disciplines. Beyond analysis, fostering a collaborative environment enables students to apply their skills to real-world challenges, empowering them to drive meaningful impact in our increasingly data-centric society.”
About the College of Science
Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,000 undergraduates and 1,750 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, mathematics, and data science at www.purdue.edu/science.
Writer: Emily Kinsell, emily@purdue.edu
Contributor: Jennifer Jeffries, jcjeffries@purdue.edu
Sources: Lucy Flesch, lmflesch@purdue.edu
Xiao Wang, wangxiao@purdue.edu