School of Data Science and Analytics Faculty & Staff

Administration

Name
Position
  • Sherry Ni

    Director of the School of Data Science and Analytics and Professor of Statistics

    sni@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2251
    J 332B

    Degree: PhD, Industrial Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 8940 Applied Analysis Project; STAT 8240/HMI 7620 Data Mining; DS 9900 Dissertation Research

  • Marla Bell

    Professor of Statistics

    mbell@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6566
    CL 3005

    Associate Director of the School of Data Science and Analytics

    Degree: PhD, Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 3130 Statistical Methods II; STAT 4210/STAT 8210 Applied Regression Analysis

  • Bill Franks

    Director of the Center for Data Science and Analytics and Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    wfranks3@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 324

    Director of Center for Data Science and Anayltics

    Degree: Masters of Applied Statistics, North Carolina State University

    Recent Classes Taught: DS 7900 Applied Analytics Project Course

    Professional Experience: Chief Analytics Officer for Teradata (NYSE: TDC) and the International Institute for Analytics. Author of several books. Presentations at hundreds of public and private conferences and events. 

  • Herman "Gene" Ray

    Director of the School of Data Science and Analytics PhD Program and Professor of Data Science and Biostatistics

    hray8@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3648
    J 348

    PhDDSA Program Coordinator

    Degree: PhD, Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Louisville School of Public Health 

    Recent classes taught: STAT 8310 Applied Categorical Data Analysis; STAT 8320 Applied Multivariate Data Analysis; STAT 8330 Applied Binary Classification; STAT 7130 Programming in R. 

    Professional experience

    • Senior Director of Biostatistics and Programming, ConcertAI
    • Associate Professor of Statistics, Kennesaw State University
    • Director, Center for Statistics and Analytical Research, Kennesaw State University
    • Research Scientist, Thomson Reuters

     

  • Austin Brown

    Associate Professor of Statistics

    abrow708@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7827
    J 347

    MSDSA Program Coordinator

    Degree: PhD, Applied Statistics and Research Methods, University of Northern Colorado

    Recent Classes Taught: DATA 3230 Data Visualization; STAT 3125 Biostatistics; STAT 7110 Quality Control & Process Improvement; STAT 7130 Programming in R; STAT 7210 Applied Regression Analysis

  • Michael Frankel

    Principal Lecturer of Statistics

    mfranke1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2389
    CL 3009

    BSDSA Program Coordinator

    Degree: Masters of Statistics, Georgia Tech 

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 3010 Computer Applications in Statistics; STAT 3120 Statistical Methods I; STAT 4330 Binary Classification

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    Office Manager

    lhaman1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2409
    CL 3003

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    Academic Program Support Specialist

    cmisurac@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 332

 

Full-Time Faculty

Name
Position
  • Mehmet Aktas

    Associate Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    maktas1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5351
    J 335

    Degree: PhD, Mathematics, Florida State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 2330 Probability and Data Analysis; STAT 8320 Multivariate Data Analysis

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    Limited Term Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    lamoakon@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    CL 3011

  • Ramazan Aygun

    Director, Center for Research Computing and Professor of Computer Science

    raygun@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5606
    J 305A

    Degree: PhD, Computer Science and Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo

    Recent Classes Taught: CS 8265 Advanced Big Data Analytics; CS 8267 Advanced Machine Learning

  • Marla Bell

    Professor of Statistics

    mbell@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6566
    CL 3005

    Degree: PhD, Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 3130 Statistical Methods II; STAT 4210/STAT 8210 Applied Regression Analysis

  • Limited Term Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    fbien@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5105
    CL 3013

  • Austin Brown

    Associate Professor of Statistics

    abrow708@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7827
    J 347

    Degree: PhD, Applied Statistics and Research Methods, University of Northern Colorado

    Recent Classes Taught: DATA 3230 Data Visualization; STAT 3125 Biostatistics; STAT 7110 Quality Control & Process Improvement; STAT 7130 Programming in R; STAT 7210 Applied Regression Analysis

  • Nicole Carder

    Senior Lecturer of Statistics

    nmoutos@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2819
    CL 3023

    Degree: Masters of Science in Applied Statistics, Kennesaw State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; DATA 1501 Introduction to Data Science; STAT 3010 Computer Applications of Statistics; STAT 3125 Biostatistics

    Professional Experience: Data Scientist at Axis, Group; Data Analyst at Genuine Parts Company; Statistical Analyst at Kimberly Clark

  • Joseph DeMaio

    Professor of Mathematics and Data Science

    jdemaio@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6568
    J 349

    Degree: PhD, Mathematics, Emory University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 7010 Mathematical Statistics I; MATH 2332 Probability and Data Analysis; MATH 8020 Graph Theory

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    Senior Lecturer of Statistics

    hdeal2@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2490
    CL 3021

    Degree: Masters of Statistics and Analytical Sciences, Kennesaw State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 3125 Biostatistics; STAT 4210 Topics in Regression; DATA 4000 Data Science Communication

  • Bowen Eldridge

    Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    meldrid8@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6241
    J 320

    Degree: Masters of Statistics and Analytical Sciences, Kennesaw State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 2332 Probability and Data Analysis; DATA 3010 Computer Applications of Statistics

  • Nicole Ferguson

    Professor of Statistics

    afergu10@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7624
    CL 3017

    Degree: PhD, Biostatistics, University of Louisville

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 3010 Computer Applications of Statistics; STAT 3125 Biostatistics; STAT 4125/STAT 7125 Design and Analysis of Human Studies; STAT 7100 Statistical Methods; STAT 7030 Programming in R; STAT 8940 Applied Analysis Project

  • Michael Frankel

    Principal Lecturer of Statistics

    mfranke1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2389
    CL 3009

    Degree: Masters of Statistics, Georgia Tech 

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 3010 Computer Applications in Statistics; STAT 3120 Statistical Methods I; STAT 4330 Binary Classification

  • Bill Franks

    Director of the Center for Data Science and Analytics and Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    wfranks3@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 324

    Degree: Masters of Applied Statistics, North Carolina State University

    Recent Classes Taught: DS 7900 Applied Analytics Project Course

    Professional Experience: Chief Analytics Officer for Teradata (NYSE: TDC) and the International Institute for Analytics. Author of several books. Presentations at hundreds of public and private conferences and events. 

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    Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    lgadzank@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

  • Linda Galloway

    Senior Lecturer of Mathematics

    lgallow1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7678
    CL 3029

    Degree: PhD, Secondary Mathematics Education, Auburn University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics 

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    Interim Director of Assessment and Professor of Statistics

    kgardne9@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2401
    J 322

    Degree: PhD, Mathematics Teaching and Learning, Georgia State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 3010 Computer Applications of Statistics; STAT 3120 Statistical Methods I; STAT 3130 Statistical Methods II; STAT 7100 Statistical Methods; STAT 8940 Applied Analysis Project; MATH 2332 Probability and Data Analysis; MATH 3332 Probability and Inference; MAED 9900 Mathematics Education Research Independent Study

  • Daniel Giorgis

    Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    dgiorgis@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6107
    CL 3007

    Degree: Master of Applied Statistics, Kennesaw State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; DATA 1501 Introduction to Data Science

  • Kevin Gittner

    Assistant Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology

    kgittner@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7986
    CL 3031

    Degree: PhD, Applied Statistics and Research Methods, University of Northern Colorado

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 7210 Applied Regression Analysis; STAT 7020 Statistical Computing and Simulation; DATA 3300 Data Science Ethics; PHE 4500 Epidemiology; PHE 3150 Applied Analytic Techniques in Public Health Education

    Professional Experience: Statistical and research methods consulting

  • Susan Hardy

    Principal Lecturer of Statistics

    shardy@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6707
    CL 3025

    Degree: Masters of Statistics, Brigham Young University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 3010 Computer Applications of Statistics; STAT 3120 Statistical Methods I; STAT 3130 Statistical Methods II; STAT 4400 Nonparametric Statistical Methods; STAT 4400 Research and Oral Presentation Excellence

    Professional Experience: Wirthlin Worldwide (Harris Interactive) - trained project managers; performed marketing analyses for Marriott Corporation food chains

  • Jiajing Huang

    Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    jhuang24@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5344
    R2 324

  • Limited Term Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    jhuo1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

  • Ravini Jayamaha

    Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    rjayamah@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3519
    R2 206

    Degree: PhD, Statistics, Western Michigan University

    Recent Classes Taught:  STAT 2332 Probability and Data Analysis; STAT 4210 Topics in Regression; STAT 7210 Applied Regression Analysis

  • Limited Term Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    sjohn701@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    CL 3016

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    Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    bluo@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6505
    J 345

    Degree: PhD, Computational Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 8240 Data Mining I; STAT 8250 Data Mining II

  • Lauren Matheny

    Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    lmathen1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5021
    CL 3019

    Degree: PhD, Applied Statistics and Research Methods, University of Northern Colorado

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 3120 Statistical Methods I; STAT 7020 Statistical Computing Simulation;  STAT 7225 Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis

    Professional Experience: 17 years directing lower extremity research program in orthopedic and sports medicine health outcomes; lead biostatistician and research methodologist for collaborative research with the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, independent statistical and research consultant in private sector. 

  • Limited Term Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    drathgam@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

  • Herman Ray

    Director of the School of Data Science and Analytics PhD Program and Professor of Data Science and Biostatistics

    hray8@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3648
    J 348

    Degree: PhD, Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Louisville School of Public Health 

    Recent classes taught: STAT 8310 Applied Categorical Data Analysis; STAT 8320 Applied Multivariate Data Analysis; STAT 8330 Applied Binary Classification; STAT 7130 Programming in R. 

    Professional experience:

    • Senior Director of Biostatistics and Programming, ConcertAI
    • Associate Professor of Statistics, Kennesaw State University
    • Director, Center for Statistics and Analytical Research, Kennesaw State University
    • Research Scientist, Thomson Reuters 


    • LinkedIn
    • Google Scholar

  • Aradhana Soni

    Lecturer of Data Science and Analytics

    asoni4@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5352
    J 121

  • gita taasoobshirazi

    Associate Professor of Statistics

    gtaasoob@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2491
    J 343

    Degree: PhD, Applied Cognition and Development, University of Georgia

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 7020 Statistical Computing and Simulation; STAT 7350/8350 Structural Equation Modeling; STAT 7450/8450 Multilevel Modeling; STAT 8020 Advanced Programming in SAS; STAT 8210 Applied Regression Analysis

    Research: Gita’s research leverages advanced statistical modeling to address complex questions in the learning sciences. She specializes in structural equation modeling (SEM), hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), conditional process modeling, and multivariate techniques, allowing her to examine intricate relationships among interdisciplinary variables, nested data structures, and mediating/moderating effects. This multifaceted approach enables her to generate novel, comprehensive insights that advance the field.

    In addition, she contributes to measurement development in the learning sciences, designing and validating assessments with strong psychometric properties to meet critical research and practical needs.

     

  • Benjamin Watson

    Limited Term Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    bwatso64@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    CL 3015

    Degree: MAT, Secondary Mathematics Education, Georgia State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; DATA 1501 Introduction to Data Science

    Professional Experience: Data Analyst at Northeast Georgia Health System

  • Xinyan Zhang

    Associate Professor of Statistics

    xzhang47@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6313
    J 314

    Degree: PhD, Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 3125 Biostatistics; STAT 8225 Applied Longitudinal Analysis

Part-Time Faculty

Name
Position
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    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Statistics

    jbaggs3@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

    Degree: PhD, Epidemiology, Emory University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics

    Professional Experience: Senior Epidemiologist and Team Lead, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    pbasnet2@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Statistics

    msh7069@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    adewar@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Statistics

    mdoriney@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    pfrangou@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5303
    BB 211

  • Part-Time Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    bgadidov@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

  • Cassandra Gardner

    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    cgardn54@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Statistics

    dgreen62@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

    Degree: Masters of Applied Statistics, Kennesaw State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics

    Professional Experience: Analyst, IHG Hotels and Resorts

  • Paul Johnson

    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    pjohn181@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

    Degree: Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 7240 Applied Data Mining

    Professional Experience: Business Manager at Capital One Financial; Program Manager at Technolutions Inc., Head of Analytics at Bliss Financial Corp.

    LinkedIn

  • Part-Time Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    vkane@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    kkolb1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Statistics

    glepadat@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    mliu11@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Statistics

    tlong20@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

  • Steve Morris

    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    smorri43@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

    Degree: Masters of Science, Statistics, University of Georgia

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics; STAT 2332 Probability and Data Analysis;  STAT 3125 Biostatistics

    Professional Experience: Consultant at Demand Side Analytics 

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    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    eogburu@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Instructor of Statistics

    sorrock@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

    Degree: Masters of Applied Statistics, Kennesaw State University

    Recent Classes Taught: STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics

    Professional Experience: Business Analyst and Pricing/Inventory Analyst in retail analytics

    • LinkedIn 

  • Melony Parkhurst

    Part-Time Instructor of Statistics

    mparkhur@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6682
    CL 3038

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    Part-Time Instructor of Data Science and Analytics

    stayl222@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

  • Part-Time Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    yyan7@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

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    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Data Science and Analytics

    lzu@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2865
    J 333

 

Affiliated Faculty

Name
Position
  • Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology

    sbhatta6@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7311
    Q 226

  • Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization and Associate Professor of Microbiology

    ccornel5@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5115
    SC 519

  • Associate Professor of Computer Science

    mkarakay@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6983
    J 305B

  • Assistant Professor of Information Systems

    afrenc20@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3721
    BB 459

  • Associate Professor of Software Engineering

    yhuang24@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3174
    J 369

  • Assistant Professor of Information Technology

    lle13@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-4311
    J 339

  • Associate Professor of Systems Engineering

    lli19@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2344
    M 123

  • Associate Professor of Mathematics

    awils342@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7235
    D 232

  • Professor of Information Technology

    yxie2@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2143
    J 360

Emeritus

 Dr. Lewis VanBrackle - Professor Emeritus of Statistics