Former UBC Statistics PhD student Xiaoting Li has been awarded the 2026 Statistical Society of Canada’s Pierre Robillard Award, which recognizes the best PhD thesis in probability or statistics defended at a Canadian university.
Xiaoting’s thesis titled “Multivariate Extreme Value Inference Based on Tail Expansions of Copulas with Applications to Systemic Risk Analysis” was completed under the supervision of UBC Statistics Professor, Harry Joe.
Reflecting on the award, Xioating shared:
"It means so much to have my PhD research on copulas and extreme value theory recognized, especially as I finish my studies and transition into the next stage of my academic career. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with my supervisor, Professor Harry Joe. His approach to research has profoundly shaped how I view and conduct my work. I hope to carry forward that same spirit in my own research and mentorship."
While completing her PhD at UBC, Xioating was awarded the 2025 Marshall Price for Excellence in Statistics and the Lorraine Schwartz Prize in Probability. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Manitoba.