Statistics

Will Melville was sweating. It was the first game in which the Rangers were introducing an updated outfield defensive positioning strategy, largely based on Melville’s research as a PhD student at BYU.

“Live small” is not a life motto that many choose to adopt, but for Michella Kopti and her family, it was necessary. Growing up in Jerusalem as a Palestinian was often tense and not a predictable situation, and Kopti was encouraged to keep her head down and comply with the local laws.

By the time March rolls around, winter in Provo doesn’t exactly feel like the most wonderful time of the year. Aside from the hassle of bundling up and stepping over the ubiquitous soggy slush, the weather this month isn’t all bad. In fact, we all hope to soon see more sunlight, greener landscapes, and finally less illness.

When Professor Shannon Tass was a graduate student she focused her statistics research on cancer. Why? Because she wanted to make a difference.

Computer science and statistics students sat huddled together, heads close together, animatedly debating which company they wanted to work for.

Statistics professor and actuarial program director Brian Hartman doesn’t call them “tragedies”—he calls them “uncertain events.”

New BYU research commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows a number of highway features that make accidents less likely. Among them are some that are intuitive: minimal hills and curves, paved right shoulders and concrete-barrier medians. But one finding was less expected: lower speed limits were associated with higher rates of accidents.

USA Track and Field consultant Iain Hunter and U.S. Olympian Jared Ward have a message for runners: Don’t mess with your stride.

The 42nd Annual Summer Institute of Applied Statistics (SAIS) was held June 21-22 in the Department of Statistics on BYU campus. Dr. Robert B. Gramacy, from Virginia Tech, Department of Statistics, presented methods for spatially varying data in a wide variety of fields such as physics, national security, engineering and life sciences. Dr. Gramacy concentrated on modern statistical methods that are faster and more economical in terms of computation both to implement and to apply. During his presentation, Dr. Gramacy showed examples of the newer techniques that allow statisticians to ethically and efficiently evaluate information. The presentation covered statistical techniques at the interface between mathematical modeling via computer simulation, computer model meta-modeling, calibration of computer models to data from field experiments, and model-based sequential design and optimization under uncertainty. Practical examples of experiments from the physical and engineering sciences were illustrated and discussed.

After being medically discharged from the Air Force, Rob Versaw found himself on BYU campus as a new student without a clue about how to get around.

Statisticians from around the world are invited to attend the 42nd Annual Summer Institute of Applied Statistics to expand their ever-growing knowledge on the subject.

On August 30, 2010 Stephen Merrill walked onto BYU’s campus as a newly minted freshman. On April 28, 2017, Merrill, like most students, will leave BYU a little differently. But unlike most students, Merrill’s transformation includes overcoming major physical challenges.

BYU Adjunct Statistics Professor Jared Ward had a top-10 finish at Monday’s Boston Marathon. Leading up to the race, Ward’s running research prepared him for the notorious course.

Sunshine matters. A lot. The idea isn’t exactly new, but according to a recent BYU study, when it comes to your mental and emotional health, the amount of time between sunrise and sunset is the weather variable that matters most.

Dr. Brad Barney meant to become an economics professor, but then he fell in love with a different field.

Rain, pollution and cold temperatures don’t necessarily get students down, but lack of sun time does, according to a study by BYU professors.

Jared Ward began to doubt his ability to finish his Olympic Trials marathon run as the unforgiving Los Angeles heat bore down on him towards the end of the race.

The American Statistical Association (ASA) has named BYU statistics professor Dr. William Christensen as a 2016 Fellow of their organization. This prestigious honor distinguishes Christensen, along with 64 other members of the ASA, for his professional contributions, leadership, and commitment to the field of statistical science.