Sonja Petrović

Sonja Petrović is a Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Computing. She joined IIT in 2013 after serving on faculty at Penn State Statistics and has established herself as a leading researcher in algebraic statistics and computational mathematics.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky (2008) and a B.Sc. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (2003).

Petrović's research focuses on developing statistical models for discrete relational data such as networks, randomized algorithm approaches to computational algebra problems, and probabilistic models for studying algebraic objects. She has pioneered work in applying nonlinear algebra to statistical problems, particularly in network modeling and goodness of fit tests.

Her research group has produced significant work in statistical network modeling, random sampling, optimization, and machine learning applications to algebraic computations. The group maintains an active seminar series (NLASTATS) and has secured substantial funding from multiple federal agencies.

• College of Science Excellence in Teaching Award (2018)
• College of Science Dean's Junior Research Excellence Award (2015)
• Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute (2015)
• College of Computing Excellence in Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (2021)

Petrović has successfully mentored numerous PhD students, postdocs, and undergraduate researchers, with many of her students securing positions at prestigious institutions or in industry. Her grant portfolio includes significant funding from NSF, AFOSR, DARPA, and the Simons Foundation, totaling over $2 million in research support. She also leads the SoReMo initiative focused on socially responsible modeling and serves as Managing Editor of the journal Algebraic Statistics.