# Bertrand S. Clarke

> American statistician and computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q102196796](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102196796)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bertrand-s-clarke

## Summary
Bertrand S. Clarke is an American statistician and computer scientist known for his contributions to Bayesian statistics and model selection. A fellow of the American Statistical Association and the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, he has held academic positions at institutions such as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of British Columbia. His work focuses on theoretical justification of reference priors and Bayesian model averaging.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 29, 1963  
- **Nationality**: United States  
- **Education**: Doctor of Philosophy (University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, 1989)  
- **Known for**: Contributions to Bayesian statistics, reference priors, and model selection  
- **Employer(s)**: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of British Columbia, Purdue University  
- **Field(s)**: Statistics, computer science  

## Contributions
Bertrand S. Clarke has advanced statistical theory through his work on reference priors and Bayesian model averaging, providing foundational insights into model selection and uncertainty quantification. He was recognized as a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2014) and the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2019) for these contributions. As a professor, he has mentored doctoral students such as Hubert Wong and Ao Yuan. His academic roles at institutions like the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of British Columbia have influenced both statistical research and education. While specific publications are not detailed in the source material, his fellowships and academic positions underscore his impact on modern statistical methodology.

## FAQs
### Q: Where did Bertrand S. Clarke earn his PhD?
A: He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1989, advised by Andrew R. Barron.

### Q: What are Clarke’s notable professional memberships?
A: He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2014), the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2019), and the International Society for Bayesian Analysis (2022).

### Q: What institutions has Clarke been affiliated with?
A: He has held positions at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of British Columbia, and Purdue University.

## Why They Matter
Bertrand S. Clarke’s work on reference priors and Bayesian model averaging has shaped statistical practice, particularly in addressing model uncertainty and improving predictive accuracy. His leadership in academic societies and mentorship of researchers has strengthened the intersection of statistics and computer science. Without his contributions, methodologies in fields relying on Bayesian inference—such as machine learning and data science—might lack critical theoretical underpinnings. His dual expertise in statistics and computer science reflects the evolving demands of data-driven research.

## Notable For
- Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2014)  
- Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2019)  
- Advisor to doctoral students Hubert Wong and Ao Yuan  
- Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and University of British Columbia  

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Bertrand S. Clarke was born on July 29, 1963. He completed his PhD at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1989 under the supervision of Andrew R. Barron.

### Career
Clarke has held academic appointments at Purdue University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His roles have combined research in statistics with teaching and mentorship.

### Academic Contributions
- **Theoretical Work**: Clarke’s research focuses on Bayesian statistics, particularly the justification of reference priors and model selection via Bayesian model averaging.  
- **Awards**:  
  - Fellow, American Statistical Association (2014)  
  - Fellow, Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2019)  
  - Fellow, International Society for Bayesian Analysis (2022)  

### Professional Recognition
Clarke’s 2019 IMS Fellowship citation highlights his “contributions to the theoretical justification of reference priors and on aspects of model selection involving Bayesian model averaging.” His work bridges statistical theory and computational practice, reflecting his dual identity as a statistician and computer scientist.

## References

1. IdRef
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. [Source](https://statistics.unl.edu/bertrand-clarke)
4. Fellows of the American Statistical Association database
5. [Source](https://bayesian.org/membership/isba-fellows/)
6. [Source](https://imstat.org/2019/05/14/2019-ims-fellows-announced/)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Library of Congress Authorities
9. CONOR.SI