Opening Remarks

Friday, Aug 14th, 2025

Ofer Harel, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, UConn

Ofer Harel, Ph.D., is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Connecticut. He previously served as an Interim Dean and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs. Dr. Harel’s expertise lies in missing data techniques, Bayesian methods, and statistical consulting, developed during his Ph.D. at The Pennsylvania State University and postdoctoral training at the University of Washington. He has secured funding from agencies such as the NIH, NSF, USDA, VA, US Census, IES, PCORI, and FDA, supporting his research in fields like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, and health disparities. Dr. Harel is a Fellow of American Statistical Association, Elected Member of International Statistical Institute, The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Science, and The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Keynote 1: Pursuing a career as a statistician in the AI era

Friday, Aug 14th, 2025

Speaker: Xun Chen, Vice President and global head of Data and Statistical Sciences

AbbVie

Graduated from Columbia University with Ph.D. in Biostatistics, Xun has held multiple leadership roles during her tenure in pharmaceutical industry over the past two decades. Before joining AbbVie as Vice President and global head of Data and Statistical Sciences in this March, Xun had spearheaded the global Biostatistics and Programing department at Sanofi in successfully bringing a number of innovative treatment solutions to patients worldwide. She had also successfully led the establishment of a full spectrum clinical sciences and operation platform for Sanofi in China. Xun served as President of the International Chinese Statistical Association (ICSA) in 2024.

Throughout her leadership journey, Xun has consistently fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, promoting organic teamwork and driving sustainable, collective achievements. Xun is committed to expanding her influence and contributions in enhancing data and statistical science education, research and leadership to meet the evolving needs of society.

Abstract

TBD