Synthesizing stats, genomics and Australian rules football

September 25th 2013 Simon Kuran
Natural & Physical Sciences
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Cancer researchers need the best models and algorithms to interpret their data. Assistant Professor of Statistics Garvesh Raskutti aims to help them. Raskutti, an expert in methods and algorithms for large datasets, grew interested in the relationship between genomics and math as an undergraduate, working for a cancer research institute.

Born in India, Raskutti grew up in Australia, and obtained his Ph.D. in statistics from the University of California, Berkeley.

We asked Raskutti to share more about his cutting-edge field, as well as his analysis of Madison, and his favorite sport.

Raskutti Raskutti

Q: Tell us more about your emerging field.
A: I work on statistical methods and algorithms for large datasets, with a focus on systems genetics applications. One example: I work with biologists on the development of methods that use large gene expression microarray data to infer underlying genetic causes for cancer and diabetes.

Q: How did you become interested in this field?
A: I was always interested in applied math, and then I worked at Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne, Australia as an undergrad. This got me interested in genetics applications. Seeing the use of mathematical and statistical methods in a very relevant field, as well as the opportunity to interact with biologist and doctors, was exciting for me.

Q: Why are you excited about being at UW-Madison?
A: Film archive. Live music. Probably a whole bunch of others I am not aware of yet. I heard the Dalai Lama visited this year. It would be cool to meet him.

Q: What courses will you be teaching?
A: Introductory Probability, Stat 309.

Q: What can students expect in the classroom?
A: A focus on the fundamentals and problem-solving skills.

Q: How do you unwind?
A: Play sports — tennis, frisbee, running. Watch sports, especially Australian rules football (all students must know what this is before they take my class). Watch a movie. Have a beer.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Madison?
A: I live on Monroe St. There are awesome coffee shops, restaurants, and of course, Trader Joe’s.

Q: What did you know about Madison before coming here?
A: That it was going to be cold!!

Q: Are you excited for college sports?
A: Of course, college football. I look forward to seeing how the new coach does. Hope the basketball team can crack 50 points a few times.

To meet more new faculty members, see our full list of Q&As.