Jesús Pando

Jesús Pando serves as Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astrophysics at DePaul University's College of Science and Health, where he leads departmental initiatives while maintaining an active research program spanning astrophysics and computational biology.

Dr. Pando earned his PhD under Prof. Li-Zhi Fang at the University of Arizona, followed by Chateaubriand and NSF international post-doctoral fellowships at Observatoire de Strasbourg. His research focuses on extracting meaningful structures from noisy data systems, initially applying wavelet transforms to cosmic large-scale structure formation and later extending these methods to protein secondary structure prediction. This interdisciplinary work demonstrates how mathematical tools developed for astrophysics can solve complex problems in bioinformatics.

His publication record reveals a clear evolution from cosmological studies (2003-2005) toward biological applications (2009), with consistent emphasis on statistical methodology development. The Astrophysical Journal and Physical Review E publications highlight his technical contributions to understanding baryonic gas dynamics and protein folding patterns through advanced transform techniques.

Dr. Pando's scientific recognition includes:

• Chateaubriand post-doctoral fellowship
• NSF international post-doctoral fellowship

As a dedicated STEM diversity advocate, he has served 15 years with SACNAS and holds a board position with the National Society of Hispanic Physicists, contributing to national committees focused on underrepresented student success. While specific grant details aren't provided, his postdoctoral fellowships demonstrate sustained research funding support.

His leadership extends beyond direct research through departmental chair responsibilities and ongoing mentorship of underrepresented students in physics and astronomy programs.