Hudson Faculty Member Earns International Recognition for Contributions to Survey Statistics

Sixia Chen, Ph.D., an Elected Fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA), an Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute (ISI), and the Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus, has been awarded the 2026 Hukum Chandra Memorial Prize by the International Statistical Institute (ISI), an international award recognizing outstanding contributions by mid-career researchers in survey sampling, small area estimation, official statistics, and related fields.

Presented biennially by the International Association of Survey Statisticians, the prize recognizes a mid-career researcher who has made significant contributions to fields related to the work of Hukum Chandra. These areas include survey sampling, small area estimation, official statistics, spatial analysis for survey and official statistics, and agricultural statistics.

Open to researchers worldwide, the award reflects the international significance of Chen’s scholarship and his contributions to the continued advancement of survey statistics.

“I am honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the support and opportunities that have contributed to my professional development,” Chen said.

Survey statistics are essential to understanding the health and needs of populations. By developing and refining the methods used to collect, analyze and interpret data, researchers can produce more accurate estimates, identify disparities and provide decision-makers with reliable evidence—even when studying small populations or geographic areas that can be difficult to represent through traditional approaches.

Chen’s work strengthens the statistical foundation that supports public health research and helps transform complex data into meaningful information. His contributions reflect the Hudson College’s commitment to methodological innovation and to equipping researchers, policymakers and communities with evidence that can guide more informed decisions.

As part of the award, Chen will receive an honorarium and an invitation to deliver a featured presentation through the International Association of Survey Statisticians Webinar Series. The webinar will provide an opportunity to share his expertise and research with statisticians and other professionals around the world.

Chen’s recognition with the 2026 Hukum Chandra Memorial Prize highlights the global reach of the scholarship taking place at the Hudson College and the important role its faculty members play in advancing the methods behind stronger research, sound public policy and healthier communities.