Contact Information

Office:  Olin Rice 224
Email:  ajohns24@macalester.edu
Phone:  651.696.6459
Office Hours:   Monday 3:30-4:30
                        Tuesday 1:30 - 2:30
                        Wednesday 3:30 - 4:30
                        Friday 1:30 - 2:30



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My primary research interest is in Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The focus of my research has been on the convergence rates of chains corresponding to MCMC algorithms on general state spaces. In addition, I enjoy the unlimited applications of statistics. As a consultant for a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Minnesota, I have collaborated on projects in entomology, forestry, primatology, public health, and others. In other words, my work in statistics allows me to keep learning a little about a lot!

To learn more about my research, please see my CV for a list of publications or check out my thesis.

The 2009 school year will be my first at Macalester! I didn't have far to move; I earned my PhD in statistics from the University of Minnesota in July 2009. Before returning to graduate school, I lived in Colorado where I received my MS in statistics from Colorado State University and worked as a statistical consultant at a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (think bugs).

Though I made my home in the mountains for a few years, I am a native Wisconsinite. Most stereotypes apply. I always have at least three kinds of cheese in my refrigerator and wouldn't be welcome home again if I didn't root for the Packers. Outside of school, I enjoy disguising exercise in activities (hiking, rock climbing, tennis, backpacking, canoeing), reading, food, making things, and playing piano. Two extra fantasy items for this list are woodworking and gardening (which I promise myself I'll be good at one day).

Macalester College · 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105  USA · 651-696-6000