Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Creative minds. Critical thinking.
Limitless possibilities.
Mathematics and statistics are dynamic, growing disciplines with direct connections to technology, biology, cryptography, physics, education, psychology, business, and more. For example, mathematics are elemental to website encryption algorithms, statistics can identify trends in criminal justice, and differential equations help doctors study brain waves.
At WSU, you’ll investigate and solve both real and theoretical problems, and open doors to a wide range of careers.
Our faculty are active researchers at the forefront of current global interests. Learn about our research strengths.
In the news
WSU SURCA undergraduate researchers earn 65 awards
Seventy-three students at the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) 2026 were the recipients of 65 awards totaling $14,000.
Sociology’s Hafiz wins CAS 3MT Qualifier
Six competitors vied to represent the College of Arts and Sciences in the 3 Minute Thesis qualifier round on March 5th in Goertzen Hall.
WSU Data Analytics program leads with stackable, industry-aligned certifications
As demand for data skills surges, WSU is rolling out new training certifications that let learners upskill quickly without closing the door on a full degree.
Sergey Lapin named director for data analytics program
Sergey Lapin, professor, career-track, in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Washington State University Everett, has been appointed to serve as director of the data analytics program.
Department Alumni Spotlights
Dr. Modhurima Dey Amin
I’m Modhurima Dey Amin, an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Texas Tech University. My research program focuses on econometric and statistical modeling, as well as applied machine learning in food and agricultural markets, energy, and industrial organization. In the classroom, I teach statistics, econometrics and data analytics at the undergraduate and graduate levels, where I train students to use quantitative tools to analyze real-world problems and make evidence-based decisions. Across my career, the statistical training I received in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Washington State University has been foundational to everything I do. It gave me the tools and my earliest coding foundation, to move from theory to evidence, work with complex and large-scale data, and answer real-world policy and business questions with rigor and clarity. From causal inference and forecasting to machine learning and survey analysis, that training has shaped not only my research agenda, but also my teaching, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Dr. Corban Harwood
Corban Harwood (’11) is Professor and Chair of Mathematics at George Fox University in Oregon. Publishing in numerical analysis and mathematical modeling, he is also developing an inquiry-based textbook. His advisees have researched a breadth of topics (currently cancer population dynamics), which led them become analysts and educators. As Chair of the Pacific Northwest MAA section and MAA/SIMIODE workshop leader, he stays engaged with the mathematical community. He and his wife have two school-aged kids and enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Yingzi Li
I am currently a Principal Data Scientist at Schnuck Markets Inc., where I balance technical leadership with people management. My time at WSU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics was foundational to my career. The program’s rigorous training and the supportive, collaborative environment provided by the faculty and staff gave me the analytical tools and confidence to tackle complex real-world problems. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I received and am proud to represent the Coug community in the professional world.