How to pursue interest in spatiotemporal modeling

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Hello, long-time lurker here. 

I'm an Junior majoring in Statistics at a Top 5 Statistics department (according to US News). I've recently gotten interested in spatiotemporal modeling after doing a personal project in NBA (National Basketball League) Player Tracking data. (Hence my nickname)

Since I have an average mathematical skills, I've been debating on whether to go for a PhD or not. I think I'll first apply for a Masters in Statistics and write a thesis there to see if I really want to pursue this field of spatiotemporal modeling. 

1) I was wondering which schools / professors are the big names in this field of spatiotemporal modeling to get a grasp of which professors I'd want to work with. I did hear that Iowa State has a Stats dept with a spatial statistics focus, but which other schools in the US/Canada are there? What about University of British Columbia?

2) In my Senior year, what courses should I take to prepare myself for spatiotemporal modeling research? So far, I've taken

Math Courses:

-Calculus I, II, III, Differential Equations, Intro to Linear Algebra, A Second Course in Linear Algebra, Linear Analysis, Intro to Mathematical Proofs, Intro to Real Analysis

Statistics Courses:

- Probability, Statistical Inference, Statistical Computing and I will take a Intro to ML course in the summer!

- Intro to CS Programming

 

Thank you

[bayessays]

Iowa State does have some spatial people. Some other departments that are known for their spatial focus are Missouri, Oregon State, and Colorado State - see what programs have thesis options. For a master's degree, you'd probably only be able to take one elective in spatial statistics and that will be available at many departments. Any other courses in Bayesian statistics will help you, as Bayesian methods are popular in spatial stats. Many many departments have at least 1 or 2 spatial people.

[Spaghettini Plot]

UBC has Jim Zidek who is a big name in the field, however he is listed as emeritus and probably not taking more students.  Marie Auger-Méthé is a younger faculty working there doing some work on spatial stats applied to ecology. Elsewhere in Canada Dan Simpson at U of T is a pretty up and coming name in spatial stats. 

Edited May 2, 2020 by Spaghettini Plot

[player-tracking-data]

4 hours ago, bayessays said:

Iowa State does have some spatial people. Some other departments that are known for their spatial focus are Missouri, Oregon State, and Colorado State - see what programs have thesis options. For a master's degree, you'd probably only be able to take one elective in spatial statistics and that will be available at many departments. Any other courses in Bayesian statistics will help you, as Bayesian methods are popular in spatial stats. Many many departments have at least 1 or 2 spatial people.

Thank you. I didn't know Bayesian methods were popular. I'll try to take many Bayesian courses. 

[player-tracking-data]

2 hours ago, Spaghettini Plot said:

UBC has Jim Zidek who is a big name in the field, however he is listed as emeritus and probably not taking more students.  Marie Auger-Méthé is a younger faculty working there doing some work on spatial stats applied to ecology. Elsewhere in Canada Dan Simpson at U of T is a pretty up and coming name in spatial stats. 

Yep! Marie Auger-Méthé is a professor I'd like to work with. Oh I didn't know about Dan Simpson at U of T. Thanks for letting me know.