It is with great appreciation that we announce a pillar of the Department of Statistics, Dr. Lisa Ganio has transitioned to an emeritus faculty role and will be fully retiring at the end of the 2024 - 25 academic year. Dr. Ganio’s academic journey began at Humboldt State University, where she worked towards her B.S. in Zoology and Botany with initial plans of becoming a biologist. During her studies she began to grow passionate about the field of statistics and the opportunity the field offered to collaborate with individuals from a wide range of disciplines. This interest ultimately led her to Oregon State University where she earned her M.S. (1986) and Ph.D. (1989) in Statistics. While earning her doctorate, Dr. Ganio was advised by Dr. Daniel Schafer who would become to Department Chair in 2008.
Upon graduating with her doctorate, Dr. Ganio continued to pursue her passion of ecological research and started her career off as a consulting statistician for the Ecotoxicology group within the Corvallis Environmental Protection Agency Research Lab. While it has, “Always been ecological research that got me [Dr. Ganio] out of bed in the morning,” she, “Missed students and the culture of research in the university.” Therefore, she returned to OSU’s campus as an assistant professor in the College of Forestry. During this time, Dr. Ganio began conducting her own research on silviculture, botany, fisheries, wildlife, and statistics. From 1999 - 2018 she also led the College of Forestry’s Statistical Consulting Program. On top of her College of Forestry commitments, she made time to serve on the Faculty Senate Graduate Council from 2014 - 2018.
In 2018, Dr. Ganio rejoined the Department of Statistics, stating she was ready to, “Return to the discipline that had always been the foundation of her work,” and took on the leadership roles of Department Head (2018 - 2024) and later the Director of the Data Analytics MS Program. Some of her successes as a leader in the department include playing a key role in expanding the data analytics certificate program and leading the department through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the Department of Statistics, she has also continued to investigate the boundary between applied statistics and ecology. Her work has brought new awareness of the need for careful research design and sampling, particularly in non-standard applications such as in stream networks and wildfire settings.
During the 30 years Dr. Ganio has devoted to OSU, she has managed to build the reputation of a well respected scientist and mentor for rising academics. She has (co)authored 60 peer-reviewed publications, taught ~97 classes since 1999, and led ~$6 million in cooperative agreements with US Forest Service colleagues. For her excellent mentorship she was awarded the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Advising and Mentoring and was recognized twice by the College of Forestry for mentoring and instruction (2003 & 2008). Forest Ecosystems & Society Professor, Christopher Still commends Dr. Ganio for the, “Statistical rigor she brought to discussions and her ability to think about a very wide variety of research topics.” Not only is Dr. Ganio well appreciated by our OSU family, her work for groups such as the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service have extended her reputation to the national level.
Those who have had the fortunate opportunity to work with Dr. Ganio know that she is as fierce of a leader as she is a kind and compassionate individual. Professor and Director of the Center for the Future of Forests & Society, Michael Nelson notes that he, “Always greatly appreciated her humanity: whether that was focused on helping students succeed or working hard to address some challenge within the department or college,” as well as the, “Warp of her steady and principled nature.”
It is this combination of drive and empathy that makes Dr. Ganio an invaluable team member and successful mentor. When reflecting on Dr. Ganio’s leadership abilities, Professor and Interim Department Head, Dr. Lan Xue appreciates that Dr. Ganio has always been a, “Strong advocate for inclusivity within the graduate program, prioritizing diversity in scholarships, admissions, and student funding,” and feels that, “Her efforts have left a lasting impact on our graduate students, and her influence will be remembered by many.” Dr. Ganio has advised more than 75 statistics and data analytics graduate students, many of which have gone on to research positions in privation, state, and federal agencies. Current graduate student Benson Cyril Nana Boakye shares how Dr. Ganio has impacted his studies,
“Lisa has been an extraordinary influence in my life, not merely as a supervisor but as a guiding figure akin to a mother. Her unwavering support and thoughtful check-ins have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of transitioning as an international student. Lisa exemplifies excellence through her dedication to her work, her humanity, and her deep commitment to the well-being of others. As you retire, Lisa, know that your legacy will continue to inspire us. Your guidance has shaped my professional growth in profound ways, and your retirement marks the end of an era of exemplary leadership and service. Thank you for your dedication, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to excellence. You will always be a rare gem whose impact extends far beyond our department and Oregon State University.”
When asked what she will miss the most about the department, Dr. Ganio states that she, “Will miss working with the students - above all else, students bring energy, creativity and a strong sense of purpose to education and research. I will miss them very much!” As she oversees the last of her mentees and prepares for retirement, Dr. Ganio would like to share one last piece of wisdom for her students and colleagues, which is to, “Follow your heart, and do what is best for you. Academia puts a lot of pressure on people so take time to understand what you want and be true to that.”
Post-OSU plans for Dr. Ganio include returning to the cello and piano, making time for her family and farm, and traveling. She also hopes to remain an active member in the Corvallis community by volunteering. While it is a bittersweet moment to say goodbye to an individual who has contributed so much to OSU, we are wishing Dr. Ganio the happiest of retirements and we plan to enjoy every last minute with her while she wraps up her departmental responsibilities.
