October 24, 2025
Meet our new faculty: Andy Ackerman
Andy Ackerman, mathematical sciences | Photo by Rick Smith
My research focuses on: My recent work focuses on the intersection of applied statistics and moral philosophy. Specifically, I investigate how to detect and quantify fairness in algorithms, what level of data privacy can be guaranteed, and the related question of what level of data privacy should be guaranteed. I also have collaborations in human neurosciences, in which we investigated predictors of brain connectivity in the Human Connectome Project (HCP). I aim to perform a similar analysis in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study while at Lafayette.
This fall, I am teaching: MATH 186: Applied Statistics
What students can expect from me: My hope is that students recognize my enthusiasm for the material and some amount of that enthusiasm becomes contagious. I tell students in my 8 a.m.’s, “Just get yourself here. I will bring the energy for all of us.” Secondly, it is my aim to make any student feel like their questions are welcomed. If it comes from a genuine source of curiosity or confusion, there is no question I will dismiss as trivial. If I can guarantee to attend to any question, hopefully students will feel empowered to hold my instruction accountable and ask them.
Getting to know me: My wife and I are avid hikers and climbers. This past summer we did a road trip linking Zion, Yosemite, Rainier, Grand Teton, and Arches National Parks. Our highlights included hiking Half Dome (Yosemite NP), Angel’s Landing (Zion NP), and climbing 1/2 Route Extension (Kolob Canyons).
