Jillian Downey

Dr. Jillian Downey is the Clifford M. Swanson Endowed Professor of Mathematics and Associate Professor of Statistics in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. Her teaching at Gustavus spans the full breadth of the statistics curriculum, ranging from introductory courses like Introduction to Statistical Methods to specialized advanced topics like Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics.  Driven by a commitment to innovative, student-centered pedagogy, Dr. Downey routinely incorporates active learning models, free open-source materials, and alternative grading frameworks, like standards-based grading, to support student success.

Dr. Downey’s scholarship focuses on statistics education, education research methodology, and statistical consulting. Her research investigates how alternative grading schemes impact student buy-in and performance, as well as how statistical methods can better account for structure in educational assessment data. A dedicated scholar-educator, her interdisciplinary work and educational research have resulted in multiple peer-reviewed articles in publications such as Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies, the Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education, and Research in Higher Education. She also co-hosts a podcast, "T5: Talking Through Teaching Tensions Together," where she explores pedagogical practices alongside fellow statistics educators.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Downey is deeply engaged in service at Gustavus. She currently serves as Department Chair as well as on the Faculty Senate. She led departmental initiatives to build transparent student worker guidelines and contributed broadly to the campus community through roles on the Curriculum Committee, the Institutional Review Board, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Grant Leadership Team. Passionate about working with Gustavus students, she regularly guides students through applied statistical collaborations, including projects analyzing workplace safety data and investigating inclusive teaching practices in STEM.

A Gustavus alumna herself, Dr. Downey considers getting to work with future Gustie alums as the best part of her job.

Dr. Jillian Downey CV