Deb Nolan

Deborah Nolan is a Professor of Statistics at the University of California, Berkeley, and serves as Faculty Director. Her research focuses on statistics education, data science pedagogy, reproducible research, and the integration of computing technologies in statistical curricula. She co-authored influential textbooks including Stat Labs, Teaching Statistics, and XML and Web Technologies for Data Sciences. Nolan has been recognized for excellence in teaching and advising at Berkeley, emphasizing student-centered learning and interdisciplinary approaches.

Her work bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications, advocating for modern curricula that emphasize computational skills, data visualization, and reproducible research practices. Nolan’s contributions to statistics education include pioneering portfolio-based assessments, data science curriculum guidelines, and innovative teaching methods leveraging web technologies.

Key activities include leading initiatives to update statistics education standards, collaborating on NSF-funded projects, and promoting computational thinking in undergraduate programs. Her research extends to high-dimensional modeling and historical perspectives on statistical pedagogy, reflecting a commitment to both foundational theory and applied innovation.