Jia Li

Jia Li is a Professor of Statistics and Computer Science at Pennsylvania State University. She holds a courtesy appointment in Computer Science and specializes in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Image Analysis. Her work includes probabilistic graph models and applications in biomedicine, computational psychology, and meteorology. She served as Editor-in-Chief of Statistical Analysis and Data Mining (2018-2020). Prior roles include Program Director at the National Science Foundation (2011-2013), Visiting Scientist at Google Labs (2007-2008), and researcher at Xerox PARC and Stanford University.

Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering (Stanford, 1999), M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and Statistics (Stanford, 1995/1998), B.S. in Information and Control Engineering (Xi'an Jiao Tong University, 1993).

Research focuses on high-dimensional clustering, Wasserstein metric learning, hidden Markov models, and computational art analysis. Notable contributions include automated brushstroke extraction in van Gogh paintings and computational aesthetics modeling. Awards include IEEE and ASA Fellowships.

Teaching includes STAT 557 (Statistical Learning/Data Mining) and STAT 416 (Stochastic Modeling). Active in grants and collaborative projects, including weather pattern analysis and biomedical data integration. Leads efforts in explainable AI and bias reduction in visual analysis.