Main
Xiaodan Lyu
dataviz, rstats, she/her
- Experienced full-stack data scientist skilled in data visualization and modelling
- Created an R Shiny application featured in the RStudio Shiny gallery
- Authored 3 peer-reviewed journal articles to date
Education
Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU)
Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Statistics
Ames, Iowa
2015 - 2020
Thesis: Small area prediction and big data visualization – Analysis of soil losses from sheet and rill erosion on cropland
Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Statistics
Ames, Iowa
2015 - 2018
Creative Component: Empirical Bayes small area prediction of sheet and rill erosion using a zero-inflated lognormal model
Wuhan University (WHU)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Natural Sciences
Wuhan, China
2011 - 2015
Thesis: Cox proportional hazard model and its application in survival analysis
Work Experience
Senior Data Scientist
Autodesk
Toronto, Canada
- Directed and performed data-related tasks to deliver actionable insights and develop data-driven products
- Communicated findings through compelling visualizations and storytelling to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
2020 - Present
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Statistics, ISU
Ames, Iowa
2015 - 2020
- Collaborated with USDA NRCS to facilitate resource relocation and conservation of cropland, through precise estimation of county-level soil erosion rates using survey data
- Developed an interactive web application using R Shiny and CSS, to empower farmers in making data-driven decisions based on the results of on-farm research data analysis
- Conducted modeling and analysis of the relationship between wildlife population and landscape characteristics, to inform land managers about effective conservation practices
Teaching Experience
Lab Instructor, Survey Statistics
Department of Statistics, ISU
Ames, Iowa
2018 Spring
- Mentored and trained 36 students in SAS programming techniques, including teaching lab materials and designing weekly lab assignments
- Achieved an outstanding average rating of 4.68 out of 5 points by students
- Fostered a supportive learning environment and provided individualized attention to ensure each student’s success
Publication
Interactive Web-based Data Visualization and Analysis Tool for Synthetizing on-farm Research Networks Data
Research Synthesis Methods, doi:10.1002/jrsm.1440
Ames, Iowa
2020
Laurent A., Lyu X., Kyveryga P., Makowski D., Hofmann H., Miguez F.
Using landscape habitat associations to prioritize areas of conservation action for terrestrial birds
PloS one 12 (3), doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0173041
Ames, Iowa
2017
Harms, T.M., Murphy, K.T., Lyu, X., Patterson, S.S., Kinkead, K.E., Dinsmore, S.J. and Frese, P.W.
Awards
Vince Sposito Statistical Computing Award
Department of Statistics, ISU
Ames, Iowa
2019
Selected for outstanding potential in statistical computing based on assistantship duties
Student Travel Grant
International Total Survey Error Workshop
Bergamo, Italy
2019
Selected as one of the student participants based on paper presentation and curriculum vitae
Holly and Beth Fryer Scholarship
Department of Statistics, ISU
Ames, Iowa
2017
Selected for high-achieving second-year graduate students based on academic success and assistantship duties
Vera David Award
Department of Statistics, ISU
Ames, Iowa
2016
Selected for high-achieving first-year female graduate students based on academic success