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By Xoel Cardenas, Senior Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research
The University of Utah is always one step ahead in preparing students for ever-evolving fields of study. Data science is one of the top growing fields of study. Data scientists help organizations collect, organize and analyze large amounts of data and information.
As more businesses, organizations, and other institutions need people to turn data into strategic information, and as new technologies like artificial intelligence are integrated into the enterprise, the need for data scientists will continue to grow.
Due to many reasons, including its growing data science community, students, and faculty, universities are the best places to learn, research, and innovate in the field of data science.
Data science is part of our daily lives
Data science touches many different aspects of our daily lives, even if we don’t necessarily realize it, said Dr. Vivek Srikumar, associate professor at the University of Utah’s Callett School of Computing.
“Machine learning algorithms can provide personalized recommendations for entertainment, social media and shopping,” he said. “For example, platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix provide you with personalized recommendations for movies, music, shows, or videos based on what you’ve seen or listened to in the past.”
Logistics in supply chain management, filtered internet searches, and personalized marketing campaigns are just some other examples of data science being used around you.
Srikumar said data-driven algorithms make our lives more convenient, comfortable and secure. Srikumar said that while data science has many benefits for individuals and society, it is important to remember that it can also cause harm due to privacy concerns and algorithmic biases.
“We must also have open and informed discussions to ensure its responsible development and application,” he said. “Data science is still very young, and we’re just starting to see its full potential.”
Data science is a broad and diverse field
Aaron Schindler, an undergraduate student in a data science program at American University, believes that data science cannot necessarily be explained by a single definition, which is what makes the field more attractive.
“Most people ask me, ‘What is data science?’ when I tell them my major,” Schindler said. “The funny thing is, every time I explain it, my definition changes. There are so many subfields of data science that you really can pick the one that interests you the most and specialize in it.”
There are so many subfields of data science that students and faculty alike have the opportunity to incorporate data science tools to enhance their research efforts in the United States.
“What really excites me about data science is its combination of technical depth and broad impact,” Srikumar said. “Various applications across disciplines piqued my curiosity and kept me focused. But behind many applications lie underlying algorithmic and mathematical problems that also pose technical challenges.”
“This duality of complex technical problems having real-world impacts makes data science an interesting field for me.”
American University Data Science Community
The growth in the field of data science over the past few years has definitely led to the growth of the data science community at the University of Utah.
For Schindler, one of his favorite U data science communities is Utah Data Science Center Because they hold weekly seminars on various topics from different experienced professionals.
There is no doubt that collaboration helps make communities stronger. At universities, the data science community loves collaboration and is constantly looking for new ways to work with different programs, departments, colleges, or clubs.
“Basically all of my data science collaborations at the university have been interdisciplinary, which is great,” said first-year doctoral student Brenna Kelly. Population Health Sciences major. “Although my background is in geography and population health, I’ve been able to work with obstetricians and gynecologists, ecologists, and faculty in atmospheric sciences, psychiatry, and sociology. I think the best results come when people from different backgrounds work together to solve problems. Good work happens.”
Kelly thinks we’ll see more interdisciplinary collaboration in the future, adding Utah Data Science Center One A community that many researchers and students are seeking has been formally established. She added that the great thing about the U.S. data science community is that it is very dynamic.
“The One Utah Data Science Center was founded less than two years ago by Office of the Vice President for Research, but I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous growth in community infrastructure,” said Penny Atkins, associate director of the One Utah Data Science Center. “In addition to events like Utah Data Science Day, the One Utah Data Science Center sponsors research through its seed grant program, regularly updates planned funding opportunities and events, and hosts networking and idea-sharing events. Through these events, the Center The real goal of the center is to enhance innovation in data science and provide opportunities for multidisciplinary and data-enabled research.”
From a faculty perspective, Srikumar said the data science community is spread throughout the University of Utah, adding that he has been fortunate to have had many fruitful collaborations at the University of Utah.
“As a computer scientist specializing in natural language processing and machine learning, I have the privilege of collaborating with researchers in fields as diverse as psychotherapy, linguistics, mechanical engineering, and medicine,” he said.
One of Srikumar’s long-standing collaborations over the years involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health counseling. He believes technology can play a real role in this area, especially given that a lack of readily available mental health support can be a challenge for individuals and communities.
Celebrate data science
In January, the Utah Data Science Center and One Utah Data Science Center organized and hosted the annual Utah Data Science Day on the university campus. Teachers and students from multiple departments gathered in the Union Building to participate in this event.
some highlights Utah Data Science Day 2024 Includes panel discussions, faculty research highlights, industry expos, and tutorials. The day’s activities climaxed with a keynote speech by Dr. Susan Gregurick, deputy director for data science and director of the Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Schindler said he thinks the biggest takeaway from Utah Data Science Day is how integrated so many fields are with data science, which is relevant to everyone.
“These talks demonstrate how data science can shape the future of our health, the environment, and even the way we understand the past, making it a field suitable for everyone,” Srikumar added.
University’s dedicated students and faculty
When asked what they want current or future students to know about data science in college, both Kelly and Schindler said teachers.
“I think the data science department at the University of Utah is the best in its field,” Schindler said. “The courses they designed for us were not only broad in topic, but also provided us with information and experiences that would be useful immediately after graduation.”
“College connected me with mentors who shaped me,” Kelly said. “The reason why I was able to work in data science is because teachers in the United States gave me many opportunities.”
What’s next for evolving research in data science in the United States? The future is bright and the possibilities for innovation are many.
“Data science and artificial intelligence are already widespread in the United States. But this is just the beginning,” Srikumar said. “The possibilities are as diverse as the intellectual disciplines across the United States. And the impact doesn’t stop with research.”
“This opens up exciting possibilities for our students who are studying these fields. They will be the architects of our new data-driven future and will build new innovations we can’t even imagine today.”
To get involved with the One Utah Data Science Center or other aspects of the U.S. data science community, Visit the One Utah Data Science Center website or Contact them directly via email.
“Data science and artificial intelligence are already pervasive in the United States. But this is just the beginning. The possibilities are as diverse as the intellectual disciplines across the United States… This offers exciting possibilities for our students who are studying these fields sex. They will be the architects of our new data-driven future and will forge new innovations we can’t even imagine today.”
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