Mark Daniel Ward

Mark Daniel Ward is a Professor of Statistics and (by courtesy) of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Public Health at Purdue University. He currently serves as Executive Director of The Data Mine, a pioneering initiative that connects corporate partners with students for data science projects. His academic appointments span multiple departments reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to data science education and research.

Ward earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics with Specialization in Computational Science from Purdue University in 2005, with a dissertation on the analysis of the multiplicity matching parameter in suffix trees under advisor Wojciech Szpankowski. He received his M.S. in Applied Mathematical Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003 and his B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science summa cum laude from Denison University in 1999.

Ward's research spans probabilistic, combinatorial, and analytic techniques for the analysis of algorithms and data structures. His work connects theoretical mathematics with practical applications in data science, focusing on how mathematical principles can inform the development of efficient algorithms and data processing techniques. He has made significant contributions to the analysis of random structures, particularly in the context of digital trees, suffix trees, and combinatorial games. His recent work demonstrates a strong emphasis on data science education, developing innovative learning communities and curricular approaches that prepare students for data-intensive careers.

His extensive publication record shows an evolution from purely theoretical work in combinatorics and probability toward increasingly applied research in data science education and interdisciplinary applications. While maintaining a strong foundation in mathematical theory, his recent work focuses on creating effective educational models that bridge academia and industry, particularly through The Data Mine initiative.

• Pillar of CERIAS Award to The Purdue Data Mine, 2023
• Learning Community Academic Connection Award, 2022-2023
• College of Science Diversity Award, 2022-2023
• Mu Sigma Rho William D. Warde Statistics Education Award, 2016
• Fellow of the Purdue University Teaching Academy, 2015-present
• Excellence in Research Award (multiple years)

Ward has advised numerous students across multiple publications and initiatives, with a particular focus on creating inclusive learning environments. His grant portfolio includes significant funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Lilly Endowment, totaling millions of dollars for projects related to data science education, computational infrastructure, and interdisciplinary research. The Data Mine initiative coordinates corporate partnerships with over 50 organizations including major companies like Microsoft, Google, John Deere, and government agencies.

As Executive Director of The Data Mine, Ward leads a transformative educational model that integrates data science across the Purdue curriculum. This initiative creates meaningful partnerships between students and corporate/government entities to solve real-world problems. The program has grown significantly under his leadership, becoming a national model for experiential data science education that emphasizes accessibility and inclusion for students from diverse backgrounds.