Douglas G Simpson

Douglas G. Simpson is a Professor of Statistics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and Affiliate Professor at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. He has held leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Statistics (2000–2019) and Associate Director of the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation (2020–2022). His research focuses on applied computational statistics, biostatistics, robust statistical methods, functional data analysis, and quantitative image analysis.

Education: BA in Mathematics (Carleton College, 1980), MS and PhD in Statistics (UNC Chapel Hill, 1983 and 1985). He has served on editorial boards for journals like the Journal of the American Statistical Association and Biometrics, and on NIH’s Biostatistical Research and Design Study Section. Awards include Fellowships from the American Statistical Association (2000), Institute of Mathematical Statistics (1998), and AAAS (2017).

Recent work emphasizes preterm birth risk prediction via quantitative ultrasound, leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations. His publications explore statistical methodologies for functional data, medical imaging, and clinical decision-making. He advises on external relations for the Statistics Department and maintains active roles in professional societies like the ASA and SIAM.

Key contributions include advancing robust statistical techniques, developing algorithms for medical image analysis, and leading institutional initiatives in statistical innovation. His work bridges theory and application, addressing challenges in biomedicine, environmental science, and public health.