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Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
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Alex Petersen

Associate Professor
Curriculum Vitae
Statistics
Website: petersen.byu.edu
Email: petersen@stat.byu.edu

2170 WVB
Provo, UT 84602-7600

Biography

Degrees:

BS in Mathematics, Arizona State University, 2010
MS in Statistics, University of California Davis, 2016
PhD in Statistics, University of California Davis, 2016

Faculty Positions:

Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, University of California Santa Barbara, 2016-2020

Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics, Brigham Young University, 2020-present

Research Interests

My research interest centers on Functional Data Analysis, or samples of curve- or surface-valued data. Specific areas of interest include density-valued data, where the curves are constrained to represent probability distributions, and graphical models for functional data. More generally, I also work on extending statistical models to incorporate random objects, defined as random elements of nonlinear metric spaces, as part of a subfield known as Object-Oriented Data Analysis.

In addition to these methodological developments, I maintain collaborations with applied scientists, mostly neuroscientists and neurologists. The projects have focused on modeling and quantifying functional connectivity in the brain, and using functional data analysis to incorporate complex radiological and clinical variables in assessing the treatment of patients following an intracranial cerebral hemorrhage. hemmorhage.

Teaching Interests

Beginning in 2016, I have taught an undergraduate course in linear regression analysis at least once per year. In 2019-2020, I also taught an advanced regression course that included generalized linear models, shrinkage methods, and nonparametric regression approaches. In Fall 2020 in my first semester at BYU, I taught a similar course, STAT 330, covering linear and generalized linear models.

Prior to coming to BYU, I have taught a number of graduate courses on statistical theory and other specialized topics, including a year-long sequence in mathematical statistics, and courses on bootstrap and functional data analysis. I am currently teaching the second semester statistical theory class at BYU.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Statistics , University of California Davis (2016)
  • Master of Science, Statistics , University of California Davis (2016)
  • Bachelor of Science, Mathematics , Statistics, Arizona State University (2010)

Honors and Awards

  • Excellence in Scholarship Award, Department of Statistics, Brigham Young University (2023 - 2025)
  • Young Scholar Faculty Fellowship, BYU Statistics Department (2021 - 2023)

Courses Taught