Lori A. Thombs

Director, Social Science Statistics Center

Department of Statistics

University of Missouri

I am beginning my sixth year as a professor in the Department of Statistics. at the University of Missouri. Before I moved here in August 2003, I was a professor in the Statistics Department at the University of South Carolina. I went to South Carolina in August 1985, immediately after receiving a Ph.D. degree in Statistics from Southern Methodist University.

One of my primary responsibilities here at MU is Directing the Social Science Statistics Center. To find out more about all that we do in the Center, here is the Center's website.

In addition to developing the Center, I am still a regular old professor too. In fact, I really enjoy both the teaching and research part of my job. (The committee work I could live without, check out this cartoon) . I'm now old enough to have students working out there in the real world who keep in touch, and they actually feel like I was important to their education. This is very rewarding.

Teaching

Last semester, Winter 2008, I had the pleasure of teaching STAT 8370, Statistical Consulting.

Research

  • If you would like to view my Curriculum Vitae, CLICK Here.

    My research interests can generally be described as methodologies for dealing with dependent data. I've done work on (i) prediction for time series using the bootstrap, (ii) developing quality control charts for detecting cycles which use the spectrum and (iii) inference for estimators in dependent data situations. I am also interested in new teaching pedagogies -- ones that work. My quest in life is to go to a social event with ``normal'' people and not have one single person tell me that ``statistics was my worst course of my college experience.'' Another main interest of mine is collaborative work. Here is a link to more information about my research interests.

    I love to travel. This summer I went to Mongolia, and here are some pictures:

  • The capital city, Ulaanbaatar, and another city picture.
  • Inside and outside of a "Gher."
  • Our group from MU, and the whole gang.

    Summer 2007 I went to Italy. Here are a few pics:

  • Just arrived, first stop is grocery store.
  • Here I am in Milan, Italy.
  • And here is Lori in Turin, Italy.

    I have lots of really famous statistician friends...here are some:

  • Musie Ghebremichael, Harvard University
  • Randy Eubank, Arizona
  • Nancy Flournoy, MU
  • Todd Odgen, Columbia University
  • Yuhlong Lio, Univ. of South Dakota
  • John Hewett, Retired from University of Missouri
  • Tom Carmody, UTHSCD, Friend from SMU
  • Dr. Katti, Retired from University of Missouri

    Life away from work

    When I am out just having fun, I like to hang out with really famous folks. Here I am with Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish. I also enjoy seeing movies, reading and riding my bicycle. Several years ago, I purchased a beautiful Trek OCLV 5000 road bike. The fine piece of machinery is pictured below. (Although you have to visually imagine the bike with brand new fancy Rolf Vector Comp Wheels with red and black Vittoria tires.) Here I am in June 2006 at the beginning and then during the 225 mile long Katy Trail Ride. during the 225 mile long

    Some personal feelings: I cannot stand judgmental people, and I love to laugh. My idea of a wonderful time is being with friends and laughing so hard that my jaw gets sore.

    There's more information below about the exciting life I lead. Click on...

  • Here are several pictures from my July 05 South Dakota trip.

  • My wonderful house.

  • I like cars. In fact, I have two automobiles, a 2002 BMW and a 1982 Fiat Pinanfarina 2000.

  • If you would like to see my wonderful pets, CLICK here.

  • Here is an (old) Christmas photo.

  • Here are two (old) vacation photos from Australia.

  • I like music. Can you guess who my favorite musician is? (HINT: See pets, above.)

  • To contact me:
    E-mail: thombsl@missouri.edu
    Office: Middlebush 307B
    Mail:
    Department of Statistics
    University of Missouri
    Middlebush 146
    Columbia, MO 65211
    USA
    Telephone:
    (573) 882- 3844 (direct to my office)

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