Celebrating outstanding early-career scholars shaping the future of statistics and data science.
The Department of Statistics and Data Science at Cornell University is proud to launch the inaugural Rising Stars in Statistics and Data Science workshop Friday, September 18, 2026. The annual workshop brings together a select group of exceptional early-career scholars from multiple institutions whose work is at the forefront of statistics, data science, and related areas.
Through research talks, discussion, and community-building activities, this invitation-only event will spotlight emerging leaders while fostering new connections across the broader statistics and data science community.
About the Workshop
Rising Stars in Statistics and Data Science is an invitation-based workshop for outstanding early-career researchers. The program is designed to recognize emerging scholars, amplify their work, and create meaningful opportunities for connection across institutions and research areas.
Participants will share their research, engage in discussion with Cornell faculty and fellow invitees, and take part in activities intended to build community and encourage future collaboration.
The workshop reflects Cornell’s commitment to advancing excellence in statistics and data science and to supporting the scholars who will help define the field in the years ahead.
Why Attend?
- Present research in a highly engaged academic setting
- Connect with a select cohort of rising scholars from across the field
- Build relationships with Cornell faculty and peer researchers
- Explore new ideas across statistics, machine learning, and data science
- Take part in a workshop designed around both research excellence and community
Program Highlights
Over three days, participants will take part in a program that combines research exchange with community-building.
Thursday, September 17
Arrival and welcome dinner
Friday, September 18
Research talks, poster session, faculty engagement, and banquet dinner
Saturday, September 19
Community activities and departure
The program is designed to balance intellectual exchange with opportunities for conversation, mentorship, and connection.
View full program
Participation
Participation in Rising Stars in Statistics and Data Science is by invitation. Invited participants will be selected by the workshop organizers and review committee based on the strength, originality, and breadth of their research contributions.
All invited participants will have the opportunity to take part in the workshop. Presentation formats will be determined by the committee, which will select a subset of participants for research talks and others for poster presentations.
Jelena Bradic
Professor of Statistics and Data Science
Faculty Organizer
Jelena Bradic is a professor of statistics and data science. Bradic’s research centers on causal inference, machine learning, and high-dimensional robust statistics, with applications in areas including public health and policy learning.
Ahmed El Alaoui
Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Science
Faculty Organizer
Ahmed El Alaoui is an assistant professor of statistics and data science. His research interests revolve around high-dimensional phenomena in statistics and probability theory, statistical physics, algorithms, and problems where these areas meet.
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Dana Yang
Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Science
Faculty Organizer
Dana Yang is an assistant professor of statistics and data sciences. Prior to joining Cornell in 2022, she completed a Simons-Berkeley fellowship, where she participated in the Computational Complexity of Statistical Inference program at UC Berkeley.
Megan Adams
Assistant to the Chair, Department of Statistics and Data Science
Event Coordinator
Travel Information
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York. Detailed travel guidance, including airport options, ground transportation, and campus logistics, is available for invited participants.
We encourage attendees to review travel information below in advance and reach out with any questions related to planning their visit.
