Susan VanderPlas

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Susan VanderPlas

Assoc Professor Statistics University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Contact

Address
HARH 343D
Lincoln, NE 68583-0963
Phone
402-472-2903 On-campus 2-2903
Email
susan.vanderplas@unl.edu
Website
Social Media

Areas of Expertise: Forensic Statistics, Statistical Graphics, Computer Vision, Human Perception, Machine Learning, and Statistical Computing

Susan Vanderplas is an associate professor in the Statistics Department at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, researching the perception of statistical charts and graphs, and applying computer vision and machine learning techniques to image data. She also works with the Center for Statistical Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE) at Iowa State University, developing statistical methods for examination of bullets, cartridges, and footwear. As part of this collaboration, Dr. Vanderplas works with public defenders across the country to help explain the statistical validity of firearms examination studies and the problems with forensic database searches, namely, an increase in the probability of false positive errors. 

Dr. Vanderplas received an NSF CAREER award in 2025, 'Advancing Experimental Frameworks and Empirically-Based Guidelines for Designing and Assessing Statistical Data Graphics'. 

Education

Ph.D., Statistics, 2015, Iowa State University

M.S., Statistics, 2011, Iowa State University

B.S. Psychology & Applied Mathematical Sciences, 2009, Texas A&M University

My CV is available here.