David Elzinga

David Elzinga is an Assistant Professor of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he also directs the Coulee Data Center, a pro bono data analysis initiative supporting local nonprofits. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Statistics from the University of Tennessee Knoxville (2023), and a B.S. in Mathematics from Wichita State University (2018). His research focuses on mathematical ecology, applying statistical and computational models to wildlife management, conservation, and resource systems.

Elzinga’s work encompasses modeling pest control in prairie dogs, climate impacts on moose populations, and reintroduction strategies for extinct species like the passenger pigeon. He uses agent-based, differential equation, and matrix projection models to address ecological challenges. Recent projects include analyzing pollen competition in plants and vaccination tactics against bat diseases.

Awards include the SIAM Project NExT Fellowship (2024). He actively mentors student researchers through programs like REUs and federal scholarships, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. The Coulee Data Center collaborates with local partners like Habitat for Humanity, empowering data-driven decision-making in the Coulee Region.

Elzinga’s teaching spans statistics courses from introductory to advanced levels, including Environmental Statistics and Biostatistics. He balances academic rigor with real-world applications, frequently integrating student projects into community service and conservation efforts.