Rina Foygel Barber

Widely regarded for her contributions to the field of statistics, Rina Foygel Barber is a Louis Block Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Chicago. Her academic journey is marked by a profound dedication to advancing statistical methodologies, particularly in the realm of structured high-dimensional data. As a leading figure in her field, she has made significant strides in developing and analyzing estimation, inference, and optimization tools that address complex data problems. Professor Barber's research interests are diverse and impactful, encompassing areas such as sparse regression, sparse nonparametric models, and low-rank models. Her work is characterized by a keen focus on creating methods for false discovery rate control, especially in challenging scenarios involving undersampled data or misspecified models. Additionally, she is deeply invested in the development of distribution-free inference techniques, which are crucial for dealing with unknown data distributions. Beyond her research, Rina Foygel Barber plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive academic environment. She serves as the Co-chair of the Committee on Community, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CCEDI), where she is committed to promoting equity and diversity within the academic community. Her efforts in this area underscore her belief in the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all scholars. In addition to her work with CCEDI, Professor Barber is an active member of the Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM). Her involvement in this committee highlights her interdisciplinary approach to research, bridging the gap between theoretical statistics and practical applications in computational mathematics. Throughout her career, Rina Foygel Barber has been recognized for her innovative contributions to the field of statistics. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding but also provides practical solutions to real-world data challenges. Her dedication to both her research and her community makes her a respected and influential figure in the academic world.