Daniela Witten

Daniela Witten is a Professor in the Departments of Biostatistics and Statistics at the University of Washington and holds the Dorothy Gilford Endowed Chair of Mathematical Statistics. Her research focuses on high-dimensional data analysis, statistical learning, genomics, and computational biology. She co-authored the influential textbook Introduction to Statistical Learning, bridging theory and application in data science.

Education:

• BS in Biological Sciences and Mathematics (Stanford University)
• MS and PhD in Statistics (Stanford University)

Research Interests:

Her work spans statistical methods for biomedical data, including genomics, neuroscience, and clinical applications. She emphasizes interpretable machine learning and collaborates across disciplines to address complex biological questions. Recent projects include methods for calcium imaging data analysis and multi-omics integration.

Awards and Recognition:

• 2022 COPSS Presidents’ Award (prestigious early/mid-career statistician honor)
• 2022 Elected Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics
• 2018 Simons Investigator Award
• 2019 Mortimer Spiegelman Award (best paper in public health statistics)

Advancing the Field:

She advocates for diversity in STEM, mentors over 30 PhD students, and actively contributes to statistical education and policy. Her leadership includes roles on the IMS Council and advocacy for equitable award nomination practices.