Douglas G. Simpson

Douglas G. Simpson is a Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an affiliate professor at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, with leadership experience as Department Chair (2000-2019) and Associate Director of the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation (2020-2022).

Education:

• BA in Mathematics, Carleton College, 1980
• MS in Statistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1983
• PhD in Statistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1985

His research integrates theoretical and applied statistics with emphasis on quantitative image analysis, machine learning applications, and methodological development in robust and semiparametric frameworks. This work bridges computational techniques with real-world scientific challenges, particularly in medical imaging and data-intensive domains.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the American Statistical Association
• Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
• University of Illinois List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students (11 times)

Dr. Simpson has provided significant academic service including NIH study section membership (2006-2010) and leadership of the American Statistical Association Caucus of Academic Representatives (2007-2010). His administrative roles encompass directing the Illinois Statistics Office (1995-2000) and guiding departmental strategy during his 19-year chairmanship.

He maintains active research collaborations through the Beckman Institute and Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation, fostering interdisciplinary projects that connect statistical theory with engineering and life sciences applications.