UCLA mathematics professor Deanna Needell will be the first holder of the Dunn Family Chair for Data Theory for a five-year period starting on July 1, 2020. The chair is endowed with $2 million, initially supported by alumnus and entrepreneur Kirk Dunn and his family. The other half was supported by the matching funds program of the Physical Sciences division. The establishment of the Dunn Chair is part of a larger initiative of the Departments of Mathematics and of Statistics to promote Data Science and, in particular, theoretical aspects of this emerging field (Data Theory) on the UCLA campus.
Says Deanna, “I am excited to take part in the creation of this new data theory initiative at UCLA, which will provide a deep training in the critical underlying mathematical tools inherent to data science. This will allow UCLA to be at the forefront in foundational data theory, complementing our strong applied strengths.” The funds will be used for training and recruitment activities for participants in this area, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
Read the full UCLA announcement here.
