Congratulations to Guanyang for getting the The Presidential Fellowship for Teaching Excellence! We are incredibly proud of you. 

The award honors lecturers from any discipline who have demonstrated excellence in classroom instruction. Important attributes for consideration include exceptional creativity and/or curricular, pedagogical, or experiential innovations; a deep commitment to excellence in classroom instruction; and demonstrable contributions to student learning and advancement. This award especially recognizes the longer-term institutional impacts that exceptional lecturers may have on strengthening the academic fabric and vitality of programs through their successive teaching at the university over multiple years.

The RUTGERS Department of Statistics is offering a new Undergraduate Course, "A Data-Scientific Introduction to Justice and Democracy" 01:960:492

No Prerequisites!
✓ Explore data science in law, social policy, and civic life
✓ Learn statistical reasoning through landmark Supreme Court cases

Professor Ruobin Gong

Fall 2026

For more information visit: https://go.rutgers.edu/mexcrt9y

As financial systems become more complex and technology-driven, organizers behind the new master’s degree aim to equip students with skills to shape what comes next

The future of finance increasingly is being shaped by data, algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI). And the people shaping financial markets increasingly aren’t just financiers, but also data scientists, engineers and statisticians.

At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a new graduate program is taking shape to prepare students to lead in that transformation.

The master of science in financial technology analytics, offered through the School of Arts and Sciences and housed in the Department of Statistics, is accepting applications for fall 2026.

University leaders said the program responds to growing industry demand for professionals who can work at the intersection of finance and advanced technologies, from machine learning and AI-driven modeling to blockchain, algorithmic trading and quantitative risk analysis.

Students will build on a foundation in statistical science while applying those skills to real-world financial systems, program leaders said.

“Rutgers is uniquely positioned to lead in fintech education, bridging quantitative analytics, advanced computing and financial markets,” said Rong Chen, chair of the Department of Statistics at Rutgers-New Brunswick. “Our graduates will go on to careers shaping the future of finance in New Jersey, the greater New York metropolitan area and globally.”

Through capstone projects built on industry datasets and opportunities for professional engagement, students will gain hands-on experience applying technical skills to complex financial systems, Chen said. He added that Rutgers’ proximity to New York and the university’s employer network provide students with direct access to leading financial institutions and emerging fintech companies.

Other aims of the program include helping students learn to work with complex financial data and apply those insights across a range of industries, including banking, asset management, financial technology startups and risk management.

“The fintech space moves fast, and the list of technologies keeps growing: from blockchain, cryptocurrency, prediction markets, decentralized finance (DeFi) and algorithmic trading,” said Harry Crane, co-program director of the program and a member of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Innovation Advisory Committee, a federal consultative body. “Rigorous foundations are critical to success in such a fast-moving industry. This program equips students with the analytical and technical skills to succeed in that environment.”

The curriculum, with a core focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application through industry engagement and networking, with the goal of preparing graduates to navigate and help shape a financial landscape that is increasingly defined by data, technology and interdisciplinary expertise.

More information is available on the program’s webpage.

Let's give a warm Congratulations to Professor Steve Buyske for his recent feature in Rutgers news:

Steve Buyske, whose expertise in statistics has led to numerous collaborations with scientists seeking to solve major illnesses, has been named a Fellow of the AAAS along with seven other Rutgers researchers. Buyske has worked on projects and co-authored studies with more than 1,000 scientists. “For me, it’s a tremendous privilege to work with all these people and to learn about what they’re working on.”

You can read more by clicking here

Congratulations, Professor Buyske!

Congratulations to our Master's of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program! We were ranked # 17 in TechGuide's 2026 Best Master's Degree in Data Science program!

Best Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2026: Online, Cost, Curriculum, Careers, and Admissions

Professor Harry Crane was announced as a member of the CFTC's Innovation Advisory Committee! You can read more about it here:

As stated by Chairman Michael S. Selig, "The IAC’s work will help ensure the CFTC’s decisions reflect market realities so the agency can future-proof its markets and develop clear rules of the road for the Golden Age of American Financial Markets."

Congratulations, Professor Crane!

CFTC Announces Innovation Advisory Committee Members

Congratulations to the SAS-Statistics Graduate program!

Our program ranked 24th in the nation per the 2025 U.S. News & World Report!

Dear Friends, Alumni, and Supporters,

Thanks to the generosity of many, we are excited to share that the William “Bill” Strawderman Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund has now surpassed $238,000!
We are within reach of our $250,000 goal— only about $12,000 away from transforming the fund into a permanently endowed Graduate Fellowship to support statistics students.
The Finish Line Is in Sight!
We have started a new crowdfunding campaign celebrating the legacy of Distinguished Professor Bill Strawderman (1941–2024), a beloved colleague, mentor, and leader who dedicated more than five decades to Rutgers University. Throughout his career, Bill shaped generations of statisticians through his scholarship, mentorship, and pioneering contributions to the field.
*If you have already donated, thank you! We hope you might consider another gift to help us reach our goal.
*If you haven’t had the chance to make a gift, this holiday season could be the perfect opportunity to honor Professor Strawderman’s lasting impact on our department and the statistics community.
Your support will help us reach this milestone and provide lasting, enhanced funding for graduate students in statistics, continuing Bill’s lifelong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Click HERE to celebrate Bill’s legacy with a gift today!

Thank you so much and Happy holidays.

Professor Linjun Zhang has been awarded the AI for Math Fund, managed by Renaissance Philanthropy in partnership with founding donor XTX Markets. This competitive award supports innovative research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and mathematics. Linjun is part of a distinguished team that includes David Pennock (Rutgers), James Zou (Stanford), Huaxiu Yao (UNC Chapel Hill), and Pan Lu (Stanford). The team’s research aims to advance fundamental understanding and applications of AI in mathematical reasoning.

The Fund has announced a total of $18 million in grants, one of the largest ever philanthropic commitments supporting the development of AI and machine learning-based tools to advance mathematics. The Fund’s first 29 winning projects include mathematicians and researchers at universities and organizations working to develop systems that help advance mathematical discovery and research across several key tasks. The grant awards range up to $1 million.

Steve Buyske to Professor, Min Xu to Associate Professor! Congratulations!

Onrina Chandra won the student poster award at the International Indian Statistical Association (IISA) 2025 conference.

Congratulations to Onrina! Great achievements. You made Rutgers and our department shine!

Betting Markets Not Infallible on Pope Predictions, Statistics Prof. Says

Despite some bettors favoring Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the next pope, the various conclave betting markets can't rival the accuracy of those predicting events like elections, statistics professor Harry Crane tells USA Today. That's because bigger markets tend to lead to better predictions. "Does it have more predictability than if you just picked one out of 130 cardinals, and you gave them all the same chance of winning? I would say 'yeah probably,' Crane said.

Read the full article here!

Congratulations to Linjun for getting the The Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching! We are very proud of you.

The award honors the memory of the noted historian and Rutgers University professor, Warren I. Susman. This award is given annually to tenured faculty members in recognition of outstanding service in stimulating and guiding the intellectual development of students at Rutgers University. This award honors tenured faculty members who have made outstanding synergistic contributions in research and teaching, recognizing those who make visible the vital link between teaching and scholarship, by contributing to the scholarship of teaching and by bringing together scholarly and classroom activities through innovative pedagogy and high-impact research.

Professor Benjamin Noland was selected to the Office of Disability Services Faculty Honor Roll. The Faculty Honor Roll is an initiative started Spring 2024 to recognize instructors who go above and beyond to support the work of the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Throughout this semester, Professor Noland has consistently uploaded his exams in a timely manner and also always provided a separate upload for a student who needed enlarged font. While this may seem minor, it actually makes a huge difference in ensuring that the student is getting the exam exactly as the professor intended. Professor Noland is being deeply appreciated for being so caring of the accommodation needs of the students in his class!

Please congratulate our very own Professor Steve Buyske, who helped launch a breast cancer study that allows people to participate without leaving their homes!

Read more here!

Donate to Strawderman Memorial Fund - To contribute, please visit the Professor William "Bill" Strawderman Memorial Fund. To send your donation by check, please write it to Rutgers University Foundation (allocation Strawderman Fellowship #23763) and mail to Rutgers University Foundation, P.O. Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0193. Please reach out to Rong Chen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Michal Tyra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Distinguished Professor Emeritus Bill Strawderman on October 1, 2024. 

Donate to the William "Bill" Strawderman Endowed Graduate Fellowship

This fund has been established to honor the legacy of Distinguished Professor Bill Strawderman and support Statistics students. To contribute, please visit the William "Bill" Strawderman Endowed Graduate Fellowship.

To send your donation by check, please write it to Rutgers University Foundation (allocation: William "Bill" Strawderman Endowed Graduate Fellowship#23763) and mail to Rutgers University Foundation, P.O. Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0193.

Please reach out to Rong Chen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Gabriella Carbone at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions.

In memoriam

Wishing a happy birthday to Lisa Curtin, Nicole Pashley, and Matteo Bonvini for the month of September!

2023-2024 Faculty Year-End Excellence Award Recipients

Arthur Cohen Lecture

The Department of Statistics of Rutgers University is hosting a lecture in honor of Dr. Arthur Cohen. Friday, March 29, 2024 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM Fiber Optics Material Research Building, Auditorium.

Guest Speaker Dr. Richard Samworth, University of Cambridge.

More information can be found here.

An amazing article published by Professor Ruobin Gong in coherence with the Institute of Mathematical Sciences. 

 Sound the Gong Link 

Eileen is the program coordinator for the Department of Statistics. During her tenure in the department, the percentage of students who meet their yearly academic goals within stipulated deadlines has almost reached 100%. Eileen’s key contribution lies in building better systems through proper documentation of tasks, improved communication with students and faculty, and creating proper monitoring devices like automated reminders. She has also consistently scheduled meetings with the department chair and the graduate directors to establish work plans and notably provides reminders and follow-ups. This is also an area where Eileen has shown all the qualities that an efficient problem solver should possess – communication, timeliness, adaptability, flexibility, and above all, empathy and compassion. Eileen has quickly gotten into the role of the de facto-mother figure for students who are in need of encouragement or a morale boost. Her care for the students often translates into being the first to know whether students need special attention or being invited to celebrations of personal successes.

2023 Arts and Sciences Staff Excellence Recognition Awards

Congratulations to Professor Roy Han for being awarded a Board of Trustees Research Fellowship for Scholarly Excellence for 2022-2023 as well as the Bernoulli New Researcher Award!

Roy Han, Associate Professor Han Xiao, Professor Sijian Wang, Professor Zhiqiang Tan, Distinguished Professor

Professors Koulik Khamaru, Min Xu and Yaqing Chen all received grant awards!

Congratulations to The Financial Statistics & Risk Management Program for being ranked among the top 25 quantitative finance programs in the world by Risk.net!

Our PhD Students Prabrisha Rakshit and Kai Tan received the IMS Hannan Graduate Student Award!

Congratulations to Professor Zijian Guo for receiving this year's ICSA Outstanding Young Researcher Award!

Congratulations to our PhD Student Yajie Duan for winning the ASA nonclinical biostatistics conference student award for best presentation.

Professor Greg Manco recently accepted an offer as an Associate Teaching Professor.

Congratulations to Drs. Sijian Wang, Sagar Khare, Jean Baum, Adam Gormley and Guillaume Lamoureux

Rutgers researchers are seeking to develop the technology to modify or “edit” protein molecules in the body—an advance that could spur major breakthroughs in human health.

While such research is in its early phases, the Rutgers team has received support from a National Science Foundation program that provides funding for boldly conceived research.

Read the full story here

Arthur Cohen Lecture

The Department of Statistics of Rutgers University is hosting a lecture in honor of Dr. Arthur Cohen. Wednesday, April 20, 2022 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fiber Optics Material Research Building, Auditorium.

Guest Speaker Dr. Emmanuel Candès, Stanford University.

More information can be found here.

Dr. Neville E. O'Reilly, a beloved husband, educator, and mentor, passed away on September 22, 2021, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Neville was born in Durban, South Africa where he obtained his undergraduate degree first in legal studies and then a second undergraduate degree in applied mathematics in which he excelled. Upon graduation, he became a practicing attorney and engaged in defending a prominent anti-apartheid activist, which did not make Neville popular with the existing government. Following this case, Neville’s parents encouraged him to leave South Africa to pursue his passion for mathematics and statistics. He won a full scholarship from Columbia University where he obtained his PhD in Mathematical Statistics and Probability under the supervision of the prominent statistician Herbert Ellis Robbins. Upon completing his degree, Neville joined the faculty of the Department of Statistics at Rutgers before moving to the business world where he held senior positions at AT&T, Netspeak, Dialect Solutions and Equitrac in finance, strategic planning, business operations as well as in product development, management, and marketing.

After a long career in business working on several continents, Neville came back to Rutgers in 2012 to become the Associate Director of the newly launched MS degree program in Financial Statistics and Risk Management (FSRM), one of two professional programs that he would help build in the Department of Statistics. The FSRM program was a unique offering at the time and Neville played a vital role in its development and success. He again played a vital role in 2016 when the MS degree program in Data Science was launched, for which he also served as Associate Director.

Neville was an inspiring and beloved educator and mentor. He enjoyed teaching and was an avid mentor and career adviser to his students given his vast industry experience. Going above and beyond to help students was one of his trademarks. One of Neville’s greatest pleasures was seeing his students succeed.

Neville has always been known to family and friends as a person of boundless energy and master of all things intellectual and practical. In fact, his friends affectionally nicknamed him “Mr. Incredible”. Neville was the person friends would call upon when they needed help with home repairs or technology, or simply wanted to engage in “grand conversations” about wide ranging topics from national and international politics, economics, science, statistics, and literature. While working or reading, he enjoyed listening to music, particularly jazz, blues, country and folk, which was a constant backdrop to his thinking. Neville was also a keen tennis player throughout his life, enjoying the competition and camaraderie. One of his doubles friends recently commented that Neville was the only person he knew who apologized to his partner when he missed a shot. In recent years, photography became his new passion and he intently studied how to capture his subjects in spectacular detail. Throughout his life Neville slept only 4 to 5 hours each night, preferring to work or read. Students and colleagues often remarked about getting an email from Neville at 3:00 a.m. while everyone else was sleeping. Neville will always be remembered as a man of many talents, insatiable curiosity, with a generous heart and loving nature. He will be deeply missed by us all.

Neville’s brother George, sister Susan, niece Kerry, nephew Graeme and their families still reside in South Africa. They join his loving wife Peggy and the Department of Statistics at Rutgers University in mourning Neville’s passing and celebrating his life and legacy.

The Department of Statistics at Rutgers University will establish the Neville E. O’Reilly Award in honor of Neville’s memory. His family has requested that donations be made towards funding the Award in lieu of flowers.

Written respectively by Mrs. Peggy O’Reilly and the colleagues of Neville’s at the Rutgers Statistics Department

For more information on donations for the Neville E. O’Reilly Award Fund, please contact Mr. Mohannad AAma at Rutgers Statistics Department at <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;.

Arthur Cohen, a brilliant applied and mathematical statistician and a wonderful colleague and leader, passed away on July 26, 2021.

Arthur spent his professional career at Rutgers, from 1963 until he traded his title of Distinguished Professor for Emeritus in 2017.  A world-renowned leader in decision theory, he was known in the research world for blending dynamic applied statistical expertise with rigorous and creative mathematical skills.  Among his colleagues he was also revered for his integrity, geniality, incisiveness, and an unending passion for statistics.

Arthur was born in 1933 and later attended Brooklyn College, where he was captain of the basketball team.  One professor there suggested that Arthur might try graduate school in statistics at Columbia University, to which he could commute from home.  That bit of serendipity launched his career.  Arthur interrupted his graduate studies to spend two years with the Epidemiology Intelligence Service, in what was then the Communicable Disease Center (CDC), as a "disease detective".  After returning to Columbia, Arthur wrote a dissertation under Ted Anderson involving admissible estimators, a major topic over his career.  

Soon after he joined Rutgers, Arthur became department chair.  With a long reign as chair followed by other essential roles, he was instrumental in building up Statistics into the leading department it is today, although he once claimed that one thing he loved about Rutgers was that he could pretend the administration didn't exist and the administration thought he didn't exist.  Arthur was known to be an inspiring and caring teacher.  He supervised several students, who themselves are now leaders on their own.  In addition to his service at Rutgers, Arthur had also provided outstanding service to the statistics profession, including serving as Editor of the Annals of Statistics, Co-Editor of the Journal of Multivariate Analysis, and Associate Editor of several other journals.

Arthur developed wide ranging and fundamental results in decision theory, admissibility, Bayes procedures, sequential tests, order restricted inference, and multiple testing.  One of his long-time collaborators Harold Sackrowitz said "His research was always guided by relevance to the area.  He preceded Google as a search engine for his breadth of knowledge of people and work across Statistics."  Among other distinctions, Arthur was honored as a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, the American Statistical Association, and the International Statistical Institute.

Arthur will be greatly missed for his enormous intellect, kindness, and optimism.  He leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-four years, Anita, his devoted son Richmond and daughter Elizabeth, and his cherished grandchildren Genevieve and Troy Arthur.

The Department of Statistics at Rutgers University will establish an Arthur Cohen Lecture as one of the major annual events of the department.  The Rutgers flag will fly at half-mast on November 5, 2021, in his memory.  A virtual memorial gathering will be held on September 17, 2021, and a celebratory research conference with colleagues, students and family members will be held in Arthur's honor at Rutgers University of January 14, 2022.

Written respectfully by the colleagues of Arthur's at the Rutgers Statistics Department.

For more detailed information for attending the memorial gathering on 9/17/2021 and the research conference on 1/14/2022, please contact the Department of Statistics at Rutgers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MS Data Science (Statistics Track). The Department of Statistics and Biostatistics is pleased to offer this new master's in Data Science program.