Cristina Tortora

Cristina Tortora is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at San Jose State University (SJSU), part of the College of Science. Prior to her position at SJSU since 2016, she held post-doctoral fellowships at McMaster University (2014-2015), the University of Guelph (2013), and Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples (2012). She has also been a visiting professor at the University of Naples Catania (Summer 2022 and Fall 2024), University of Naples Federico II (Summers 2021 and 2017), and McEwan University in Alberta, Canada (2019). Additionally, she was a visiting student at CEREMADE Paris Dauphine during her PhD.

Her education includes a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Naples Federico II (2012), a Master's degree in Statistics (Statistica per le decisione e l’analisi dei sistemi complessi) from the same university (2008), and a Master 2 in Applied Mathematics (Economie quantitative des comportements et des marchés) from Université Lumière Lyon II, France (2009).

Cristina’s research interests are centered around cluster analysis, classification, and model-based clustering. She specializes in developing methods for handling mixed-type data, missing values, and outlier detection using advanced statistical models such as generalized hyperbolic distributions and asymmetric Laplace regressions. Her work extends to applied domains, including environmental science (e.g., phytoplankton associations), transportation studies (e.g., cyclist waiting times), and psychology (e.g., emotional reactivity subtypes). She also contributes to software development, notably with the R packages FPDclustering and MixGHD, which implement her clustering algorithms.

Her recent publications (2022–2025) reflect a focus on probabilistic distance clustering, mixture models, and algorithm evaluation. These studies explore techniques for addressing data asymmetry, improving outlier detection, and analyzing complex datasets across disciplines.

Cristina Tortora has received several notable awards, including the Chikio Hayashi Award for young researchers in 2019 and the SJSU College of Science Award for research and mentoring students in 2024. She has held leadership roles in professional societies, such as serving as President of the San Francisco Bay Area ASA Chapter (2022) and currently as Communication Director. She was also elected as a Director of the Classification Society from 2022 to 2026.

In terms of grants and advising, Cristina has collaborated on projects funded by Caltrans, including the evaluation of coordinated ramp metering systems. She leads the RUI-funded research on versatile mixture models for mixed-type data. While specific student names are not listed, her work emphasizes mentoring, as highlighted by the 2024 SJSU award. She advises interdisciplinary teams in environmental science, engineering, and agroecology through collaborative research initiatives.

Cristina collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, environmental scientists, engineers, and agroecology experts, but her work is primarily conducted within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at SJSU. She also maintains active engagement with international academic networks through her visiting roles and professional service.