Murali Haran

Murali Haran is a Professor of Statistics at Pennsylvania State University's Department of Statistics within the College of Science. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University and advanced degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Statistics from the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on computational statistics, spatial models, and applications in climate science and infectious diseases. He has held leadership roles including Chair of the Penn State Statistics Undergraduate Program (2012–2016) and co-editor of Bayesian Analysis (2016–2018).

Research interests include statistical computing (MCMC algorithms), spatial/spatio-temporal models, complex computer model calibration, and interdisciplinary applications. He has contributed to climate risk management initiatives like NSF-sponsored SCRiM and directed Penn State's node in the STATMOS network. Awards include ASA Fellowship (2016), Abdel El-Shaarawi Young Researcher Award (2015), and ASA ENVR Young Investigator Award (2014).

Key publications include advancements in ice sheet model calibration, Bayesian inference for intractable models, and spatiotemporal disease dynamics. His work bridges statistical theory with real-world challenges in climate and health. Teaching responsibilities span courses like Computational Statistics, Probability Theory, and Data Science.

Professional service includes editorial roles for Technometrics, Biometrics, and others. He advises on climate policy through roles like ASA Climate Change Committee member (2009–2014) and ISBA Treasurer (2014–2016). His software contributions include the ngspatial R package and tools for MCMC error estimation.