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When someone is excited about something, it spills over.
John Stufken, associate chair of research in George Mason University’s Department of Statistics, became well aware of this fact when he took a course on theoretical design in statistics very early on in his career.
That particular professor’s enthusiasm for statistics was infectious.
“I enjoyed the topic and probably because the professor was enthusiastic about his work, it made it even more enjoyable,” Stufken said.
Originally from the Netherlands, Stufken has held roles in U.S. universities including Arizona State, Georgia, North Carolina at Greensboro, and Iowa State, as well as at the National Science Foundation. He comes to Mason with plenty of experience in statistics and directing programs. One of his main roles here will be leveraging his knowledge and career to help newer statistics professors at Mason with their own career success.
“I am focused on helping to grow the Department of Statistics, our faculty, and advising MS students in Statistical Science and Biostatistics, and feel I’m in a position to effectively help in all these areas,” said Stufken.
He also sees keeping the Department of Statistics programs in line with newer programs at other universities that highlight data science, something he says is a buzz word for jobs that advertise skills needed in data science and data analytics.
“Students are looking more for these kinds of data science curriculums,” said Stufken. “There is a reason that many statistics departments across the nation have been renamed to Department of Statistics and Data Science. While we have not been able to accomplish this here at Mason, I want to ensure that potential students will know they will emerge from their education at Mason with all the tools and knowledge they need to remain competitive at the start of their careers, and beyond.”
With Mason rising in its rankings, he says it’s an exciting time to be here, and a part of the university’s continued expansive growth.
“Over the past years, Mason has grown incredibly fast in number of students, number of faculty, external funding, and many units, including the Department of Statistics, have risen in national rankings," said Stufken. "Despite significant challenges for higher education on the horizon, Mason is well positioned to thrive, and I plan to make my contributions to the collective efforts to make this happen.”