Jeffrey Wilson

Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor

Professor, Department of Economics, W.P. Carey School of Business

Bio:

Dr. Jeffrey Wilson is a Professor of Statistics and Biostatistics at Arizona State University and serves as Associate Dean of Research and Inclusive Excellence in the W. P. Carey School of Business. Since joining ASU in 1985, he has been deeply committed to mentoring students and faculty, supervising numerous theses, dissertations, and research projects.

As co-chair of the LIFT Initiatives, member of the APHA's mentoring program and contributor to the ASA’s mentoring committee, he has played a pivotal role in supporting the professional development of graduate students. postdoctoral researchers and junior professors. His dedication has earned him several awards, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty Servant-Leadership Award (2024) and the Lifetime Service Award (2022) from the American Public Health Association Statistical Section.

Dr. Wilson’s research spans over 100 publications in leading journals and grants from NIH, NSF, and USDA. He has taught graduate courses in statistics and business analytics globally, with engagements at ASU, Mayo Clinic, Zayed University (Dubai), and the University of Pretoria (South Africa).

Dr. Wilson's multifaceted contributions have significantly impacted the academic community, inspiring both colleagues and students through his unwavering dedication to education, research, and mentorship while fostering excellence and collaboration on a global scale.

Mentoring statement:

As a mentor, my philosophy centers on empowering the post docs to reach their full potential by fostering an environment of mutual respect, continuous learning, and personal and professional growth. My approach is rooted in the belief that mentoring is not simply about providing guidance but also about creating an honest  relationship between mentor and mentee.
 

One of the fundamental principles of my mentoring philosophy is to establish a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether mentoring postdoctoral scholars or working with students through the LIFT initiatives, I emphasize the importance of building trust, open communication, and a safe space where mentees feel encouraged to express their ideas, concerns, and aspirations. As a mentor, I recognize that each individual brings a unique set of experiences, challenges, and strengths. My role is to listen, understand, and tailor my guidance to meet their specific needs. I aim to create an atmosphere where mentees feel both supported and challenged to push their intellectual boundaries.
 

I believe that mentoring is a long-term investment in the personal and professional development of mentees. My mentoring approach encompasses both career-related and psychosocial support, recognizing that success in academia and beyond involves navigating not only technical challenges but also personal and ethical dilemmas. In my mentoring relationships, I provide both practical advice—such as guidance on research design, grant writing, and publication strategies—as well as broader counsel on work-life balance, ethical decision-making, and career progression.

My experience mentoring postdocs and graduate students has taught me that mentoring is about empowering individuals to take ownership of their career paths. I encourage mentees to set clear goals and to think critically about how their current work aligns with their long-term objectives. In doing so, I emphasize the importance of developing both technical expertise and transferable skills, such as leadership, communication, and collaboration, which are essential in today’s competitive and interdisciplinary academic landscape.
 

As Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence, I am deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in all my mentoring efforts. I understand that underrepresented groups often face additional barriers in academia, and I strive to address these challenges by providing tailored support. I actively seek out opportunities to mentor students and scholars from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of creating a more equitable academic environment. My mentoring practice involves being an advocate for my mentees, helping them to navigate institutional structures, and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
 

One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring is witnessing the growth and transformation of my mentees over time. I view mentoring as a lifelong learning process, not only for the mentee but also for myself as a mentor. My mentees have often introduced me to new perspectives, methodologies, and technologies, which in turn have enriched my own work. I encourage my mentees to embrace this mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity.

In summary, my mentoring philosophy is centered on the principles of empowerment, respect, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. I view mentoring as a partnership—a shared journey where both mentor and mentee grow and develop. My ultimate goal as a mentor is to help individuals unlock their potential, navigate the complexities of their careers, and contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.