June 2025 Newsletter
Greetings Alumni and Friends!
The School of Statistics is leading the way in data science and AI, equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. We're excited about the future and committed to innovation, collaboration, and making an impact.
Warm regards,
Dr. Galin Jones
Director
School of Statistics
Save the Date! Friday, November 7, 2025
Join us this fall for a School of Statistics Alumni Happy Hour. We can't wait to see you there!
Advancing Excellence: Faculty News
Aaron Molstad Promoted to Associate Professor
Aaron Molstad’s research combines multivariate analysis, numerical optimization, and machine learning, with a focus on applications involving cutting-edge omics data, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Before joining the School of Statistics, he was a postdoctoral scholar at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and a faculty member at the University of Florida. He has been successful in obtaining external funding and is active in editorial roles for Data Science in Science and the Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics. Aaron also holds a graduate faculty appointment in the Data Science graduate program.
Tianxi Li Promoted to Associate Professor
Tianxi Li's research focuses on statistical network analysis and statistical learning, blending theoretical depth with real-world relevance. Before joining the School of Statistics, he worked as an applied researcher at Microsoft Bing and was a faculty member at the University of Virginia. He has been successful in obtaining external funding and is currently active in editorial roles for the Annals of Applied Statistics, Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics, and Computational Statistics and Data Analysis. Tianxi holds a graduate faculty appointment in the Data Science graduate program and is the program manager for the Twin Cities chapter of the American Statistical Association. He will begin an appointment as Director of the Institute for Research in Statistics and Its Applications in summer 2025.
Stats Stars Shine Bright: Celebrating Our Undergraduate TAs
The School of Statistics celebrated our hardworking teaching assistants with a sunny patio lunch, recognizing their incredible work after a challenging semester.
Read "Celebrating Our Students"
In the Field: Graduate Student Spotlight
Graduate student Jesse Miller has been sharpening both technical and communication skills through hands-on work at the IRSA Consulting Center where he’s contributed to a wide range of client-facing statistical projects. The center connects researchers and organizations with advanced statistical expertise, offering graduate students like Jesse the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges across disciplines.
“My experience working for the consulting center has been invaluable,” Jesse shared. “I learn something new from every project. It has undoubtedly encouraged me to pursue a career in consulting.”
In addition to his consulting work, Jesse has engaged in summer statistical research projects, deepening his applied knowledge and expanding his portfolio. His story reflects the powerful impact of experiential learning at the intersection of data and decision-making.
Need Help with Your Data?
The IRSA Statistical Consulting Center is here to help! Whether you're launching a new research project or wrangling complex data, our graduate student consultants, supervised by faculty—offer expert, affordable support for data analysis, study design, and more.
Ready to collaborate? Learn more and get started.
Events Roundup: Highlights from Spring 2025
It’s been a dynamic season of events across the School of Statistics (SOS), the Institute for Research in Statistics and its Applications (IRSA), and CLA’s Data Science Initiative. From professional development panels to community-driven discussions and national conferences, our community continues to lead and collaborate at every level.
Making Math Accessible
In partnership with the CLA-DSI, IRSA co-sponsored a public screening of Counted Out—a powerful documentary that explores how math can unintentionally act as a barrier to opportunity. The post-screening discussion prompted critical conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and equity in STEM education.
IRSA Spring Conference
The 2025 IRSA Spring Conference brought together researchers, students, and professionals to explore the intersection of statistics, agriculture, and environmental science.
IRSA at Tech Connect
The Institute for Research in Statistics and its Applications (IRSA) was proud to participate in the Tech Connect 2025 Conference.
Shaping AI in the Liberal Arts
A College of Liberal Arts Data Science Initiative lunch brought together faculty and graduate students across the college for a forward-looking discussion on how the liberal arts can and should shape the future of artificial intelligence and data science. This event is part of a broader initiative to promote ethical, interdisciplinary thinking in the age of AI, rethinking what education means to education and the Liberal Arts.
Career Connections for Undergrads
We hosted an Undergraduate Career Panel, giving students the chance to hear directly from alumni and industry professionals about diverse career paths in statistics. The panel fostered invaluable networking opportunities and helped students envision life after graduation, whether in academia, tech, art, or government.
Christina Knudson (PhD '16) and Nathan Hubbell (School of Statistics Advisory Committee member) encouraged students to tap into the UMN alumni network and consider setting up informational interviews. “Don’t just ask for a job,” they advised. “Start a conversation. Learn what people do. Build relationships.” Find a job or field you're interested in and look up companies on LinkedIn, look for UMN alumni and ask for advice or an informational interview.
Get Involved with the School of Statistics!
Are you interested in being part of the exciting events and initiatives at the School of Statistics? We’re always looking for alumni and community members to help make our events successful and meaningful.
Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more or express your interest.
Program Spotlight: New Data Science Track
The School of Statistics is proud to announce the launch of a new undergraduate data science track within the statistics BA program. This forward-thinking subplan opens doors for students to apply statistical methods in diverse, interdisciplinary fields—preparing them for the ever-evolving data-driven workforce.
“This new track is really about a new way of thinking,” says faculty member Charles Doss. “Data science is an exciting and growing part of our economy that involves weaving together multiple disciplines. Our new statistics BA data science subplan is unique in that it allows students to select an emphasis from a large number of options letting them focus their program on individual interests, with options ranging from computer science to journalism to public policy and race. These choices really set our program apart not only on campus but nationally.”
By allowing students to tailor their coursework to specific domains, the program emphasizes real-world relevance and empowers students to become impactful data storytellers, analysts, and change-makers across sectors.
Represent SoS in Style
New School of Statistics merch just dropped! Show off your SoS pride with fresh gear available on the UMN Alumni Market. From cozy hoodies to sleek notebooks, it's the perfect way to represent the power of data, in style. Check out SoS Gear! (NOTE: this was a button in the original)
Support the School of Statistics
To support future initiatives, programs, scholarship, research, and thought leaders of tomorrow, consider making a gift today!
