PIMS Appoints Prof. Deanna Needell as New Co-Director, Programs
The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Deanna Needell as its new Co-Director, Programs.
Prof. Needell brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of achievement to the role. She earned her PhD in mathematics from the University of California, Davis, and subsequently held a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. She is currently a Professor of Mathematics at UCLA, where she holds the Dunn Family Endowed Chair in Data Theory and serves as Executive Director of UCLA's Institute for Digital Research and Education.
Prof. Needell is widely recognized for her contributions to applied mathematics, data science, and signal processing. Her numerous accolades include the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, an NSF CAREER Award, the IMA Prize in Applied Mathematics, and election as a Fellow of both the American Mathematical Society (2022) and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (2024).
As part of her new role, Prof. Needell will also be a Visiting Professor at the University of British Columbia.
PIMS Director, Prof. Özgür Yilmaz, shared: "Prof. Deanna Needell’s appointment as Co-Director, Programs signals an exciting new chapter for PIMS. Her outstanding research, visionary leadership, and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration make her an ideal fit to help guide the institute’s future.
Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists is in direct alignment with our mission. We are excited to welcome her to our leadership team and look forward to the transformative contributions she will bring to PIMS."
The Co-Director, Programs is responsible for overseeing the operation of PIMS programs designed to foster and support academic research communities. This includes the planning and execution of "targeted PIMS programs" that facilitate the creation and sustainability of these communities. The role also involves making strategic decisions particularly those related to thematic research areas such as quantum, climate, and oceans. Additionally, the Co-Director, Programs will lead the PIMS PDF competition, in collaboration with the Director and other Co-Director.
As we welcome Prof. Deanna Needell as our new Co-Director, Programs, we also express our deep gratitude to Prof. Gabriel Paternain, former Interim Co-Director, International for his valuable contributions to PIMS.
Please join us in welcoming Prof. Needell to PIMS!