The Department of Statistics currently has thirty-three faculty members and well over 100 graduate students. Additionally, a continuous flow of visiting faculty and postdoctoral fellows contributes greatly to the academic environment.
By means of joint faculty appointments and joint research projects we maintain active academic contact with the departments of:
Astronomy, Biology, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Economics, Genome Sciences, Mathematics, Psychology, Radiology, Sociology, the College of Engineering, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Social Work and the Applied Physics Laboratory.
Statistics faculty are involved in several major interdisciplinary research initiatives. These provide exciting research opportunities for our graduate students and faculty, as well as attracting many stimulating visitors:
- The Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences (CSSS), established by a permanent University grant, involving the Department of Statistics and faculty and students from sixteen other UW Departments, Schools, and Colleges;
- The Statistical Genetics (StatGen) program, involving faculty from Statistics, Biostatistics, Biology, Genome Sciences, Medicine, and Molecular Biotechnology.
Other important UW interdisciplinary programs involving Statistics faculty and graduate students include:
- The Interdisciplinary Program in Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management (QERM);
- The Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology;
- The Program in Mathematical and Molecular Biology, a cross-disciplinary program for research training on the interface of the mathematical and biological sciences.
The graduate programs in Statistics, Biostatistics, and QERM are closely coordinated. The program of study emphasizes both statistical theory and methodology, and includes probability theory, mathematical statistics, computing, data analysis, and scientific applications. Students in the three programs take some of their courses together and also participate in the statistical consulting program. This affords the opportunity to learn the practical application of statistics by consulting with researchers from the various colleges of the University. Consulting activities range from providing statistical advice for doctoral students in various disciplines to collaborative involvement in major research projects under the supervision of the faculty.
Summers are active at the University of Washington. Many visitors are attracted by our academic and recreational opportunities. Recreation is important all year around; hiking, climbing, and skiing possibilities abound, and the Department usually has pickup soccer games and intramural teams.