Virginia Tech’s J.P. Morgan was named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA), the nation’s preeminent professional statistical society.

Morgan is a professor of statistics, as well as associate dean for strategic initiatives in the College of Science and director of the college’s Academy of Integrated Science. His research interests focus primarily on experimental design, combinatorics, and discrete optimization.

The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of statisticians, supporting excellence in the development, application and dissemination of statistical science. Members of ASA work in industry, government and academia in more than 90 countries around the world.

ASA Fellows must make outstanding professional contributions to the field of statistical science, as well as exhibit leadership within the field. Morgan was honored for excellence in research related to experimental design; outstanding teaching of undergraduate and graduate students; and service to the department, college, and statistics profession.

Morgan’s "accomplishments have contributed greatly to the advancement of statistical science and have rightfully earned him the respect and admiration of his ASA peers,” David R. Morganstein, ASA president, said.

Nominees for Fellow must have an established reputation and make outstanding contributions in statistical science. Each candidate is evaluated on contributions to the field and due weight is placed on published works, employment position, ASA activities, membership, and accomplishments in other societies and professional activities.

Morgan will be honored at an Aug. 11 ceremony at the 2015 Joint Statistical Meetings in Seattle, Washington.

Morgan has been a faculty member in the Department of Statistics since his arrival at Virginia Tech in 2000. 

Prior to his arrival at Virginia Tech, Morgan was a professor at Old Dominion University. He has twice been a visiting fellow at the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences; a visiting researcher at the College of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London; and a visiting researcher in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Goldsmith’s College, University of London. 

He is a member of the American Statistical Association, Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and has been a three-time president of the Virginia Chapter of the American Statistical Association. 

Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics from Roanoke College and a master’s degree and doctoral degree in statistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

For additional information about the American Statistical Association and the Fellows program, visit the ASA website.

Share this story