April 2025

Welcome to the April edition of the Data Science Initiative newsletter!

Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of the DSI, and we’re excited to continue bringing together experts, researchers and students to explore the future of data science. Last month, we hosted engaging webinars with Dr. Sonja Schmer-Galunder and Dr. Kinnis Gosha, who shared their insights on AI’s role in academia and workforce development. Their discussions sparked meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of data science. Looking ahead, there are even more opportunities for learning, networking, and discovery. Register below for the AI Spring Summit, a collaborative event with the Health AI Institute (HAI). Don’t miss UMN Graduate Students Share Their Experiences with Generative AI — A Panel Discussion with Dr. Lee-Ann Breuch, the fourth webinar in our AI and Higher Education Series. Plus, be sure to re-enroll your kids in the AI Explorers Summer Camp, where they can dive into hands-on AI projects, develop problem-solving skills, and explore the future of technology in a fun, engaging environment. Stay connected for more exciting ways to engage with the DSI community! Stay connected for exciting ways to engage with the DSI community!

Reminder: RIO, SPA, and other University partners are closely monitoring newly issued Executive Orders and federal communications that could impact federally supported projects and programs at UMN. Stay up-to-date with the latest guidance available.

Stay engaged and inspired! Explore the latest updates, events, and news below or visit our website for more information.

AI Spring Summit 2025: Shaping the Future of AI in Healthcare

June 10–12, 2025 | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

Explore the transformative role of AI in healthcare at AI Spring Summit 2025, hosted by the UMN Data Science Initiative (DSI) and Health AI Institute (HAI). This premier event brings together leading experts in healthcare, technology, and policy to discuss AI governance, ethics, and cutting-edge innovations shaping the industry.

Key Topics:

AI in Clinical Care & Operations
Emerging AI Technologies in Healthcare
AI for Public Health & Equity
Innovation & Investment in Health AI

Featured Speakers:

Aimee Rhinehart, Associated Press
Hannah Poferl, The New York Times
Jared Pelo, MD, Microsoft
Aneesh Chopra, Arcadia
Genevieve Melton, MD, PhD, M Health Fairview

Join us to connect with thought leaders, exchange insights, and shape the future of AI-driven healthcare.

Learn More and Register on the Event Site

Call for Abstracts: The DSI's Spring Research Summit 2025

Are you at the forefront of research in AI Governance and Ethics? Do you have compelling case studies showcasing practical AI applications? Join us for the DSI's Spring Research Summit, taking place June 11-12, 2025! This year's theme, AI Governance, Ethics, and Practical Applications, invites innovative minds from academia and industry to share their work and spark transformative discussions.

We are seeking 20-minute presentations (plus 10 minutes for Q&A) that explore:

Ethical and governance challenges in the rapidly evolving AI landscape
Real-world implementation of AI across domains
Interdisciplinary perspectives that bridge theory and application

This summit serves as an ideal platform to engage with experts, tackle pressing challenges, and collaborate on the future of AI-driven solutions.

Submit your abstract today to showcase your insights and contribute to this dynamic conversation! The deadline for submissions is April 18th.

Initiative Updates

DSI Takes Over the World: AI Explorers Summer Camp REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

The Data Science Initiative (DSI) is excited to take the helm of the Run the World: AI Explorers Summer Camp, continuing its legacy of introducing high school students to the world of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.

Originally launched in 2018 as the <RUN>: \ THE\ WORLD Machine Learning Summer Day Camp, this program was developed in collaboration with the School of Statistics and the School of Mathematics. Each summer, it brought together high school juniors and seniors from across the Twin Cities metro for a hands-on introduction to data science, statistics, and machine learning.

Now fully hosted by DSI, the camp continues its immersive, project-based approach, giving students the opportunity to work with real-world datasets spanning medicine, history, and ecology. Over the course of a week, campers dive into machine learning fundamentals, using Python to uncover patterns and make predictions. Whether they choose to classify Pokémon, identify poisonous mushrooms, or forecast Minnesota snow days, students develop valuable analytical and coding skills in a supportive, engaging environment.

No prior coding experience? No problem! Run the World: AI Explorers Summer Camp welcomes students of all skill levels. By the end of the week, campers will have completed their own data-driven investigations—gaining hands-on experience and a strong foundation for future success in AI and data science.

Registration is now open!

Research Spotlight - Seed Grant Awardee

Title: The Ag-Response Model: For Analyzing Nitrogen Use and Best Management Practice Adoption by Minnesota Crop Farmers

PI(s): Nicholas Gallagher

DSI Track: Agriculture and the Environment

MnDRIVE Area(s): Environment

Summary Paragraph:

Nitrogen pollution from agriculture in Minnesota ground and surface waters is a major issue having negative effects on resident wellbeing and the environment. The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS) from 2014 lays out goals for reducing nitrogen pollution and identifies key efforts that can help reach these goals. One of the primary targets is incentivizing the adoption of nitrogen best management practices (BMPs) in agriculture. However, over the last decade, the incentives have been insufficient to drive adoption of BMPs at levels that will reach the NRS goals. This project develops the Ag-Response Model, an integrated assessment model of crop production in Minnesota. The model will connect changes in markets and policies to crop production decisions and the adoption of nitrogen BMPs and estimate subsequent environmental outcomes. The model will be used to assess current and prospective policies for incentivizing the adoption of these practices among Minnesota farmers and provide recommendations for additional efforts needed to meet the NRS goals.

View Seed Grant Awardees

Events

AI Makerspace Hours

When: Every other Friday starting September 13, 2024 to April 18th, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM CT

Where: Walter 575

The DSI and MSI invite all students, staff, and faculty to our AI Makerspace Hours, a unique event where you can dive into AI on our state of the art HPC with hands-on experience. With the support of our expert MSI staff, you'll learn everything from basic coding to training advanced generative AI models. Enjoy access to dedicated HPC nodes for practical learning and a set of comprehensive tutorials.

RSVPs are not required but highly recommended; otherwise, attendees will need to spend a few minutes creating an account on the HPC. Please bring your own laptop (it doesn't need to be a high-performance one). There will be one or two laptops available to loan out if needed.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, explore, and innovate with us! RSVP Now!

CTS and DSI Workshop

When: Tuesday April 15th, 2025, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT

Where: Walter Library

The University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) and the University of Minnesota Data Science Initiative (DSI) are hosting an event on the afternoon of April 15, 2025, to discuss how big data infrastructure and methodologies might be a resource for current and future transportation research. We would like to invite you to this initial workshop to meet potential collaborators from across the University, explore avenues for meshing different data sources and methods, and to determine if there is interest in exploring new opportunities for partnership with CTS and DSI.

This two-hour workshop, over lunch, will be an excellent opportunity to explore new connections and projects within your work. The workshop will consist of opportunities to both share a brief lighting talk (5 minutes) to cover your work and data methods, as well as group discussions about key areas of potential collaboration.

Our initial list of topics included:

The CTS Accessibility Observatory
Public health - including activity, trauma, crash and safety outcomes
Modeling of transportation data, focusing on freight
Connected and Automated Vehicles
Resilience and Disaster Recovery

We're sure you have other ideas of relevant topics to cover, and we would like to solicit your ideas through this form (Opens Google form). The form asks if you are interested in participating in the workshop as well as other potential colleagues that should be invited. Please feel free to invite others who you believe will benefit from the event.

Data Discovery Across Departments

Events in other departments/initiatives/institutions - (External (Non-DSI Events)

Convene Conference: Responsible AI: High Impact, Low Risk Healthcare

When: April 6, 2025

Where: Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs

The 7th annual Convene Conference, hosted by the Business Advancement Center for Health (BACH), will take place on April 9th. This year’s theme, Responsible AI: High Impact, Low Risk Healthcare, explores the ethical and scalable adoption of AI, with discussions on practical applications, regulatory considerations, and growth strategies. The event fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, offering insights into how Artificial Intelligence can drive equitable and effective healthcare solutions.

Learn more about Responsible AI—High Impact, Low Risk Healthcare or register at 7th Annual Convene Conference Registration.

Statistics, Agriculture, and the Environment Conference

When: May 16-17, 2025

Where: Minneapolis, MN

Agriculture and the environment are closely intertwined, with topics that touch on both areas of interest. The agriculture sector faces the challenge of feeding a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact and preserving natural resources for future generations. By leveraging data science and statistical analysis, research in this area can better predict and mitigate the consequences of climate and pest risks on agricultural production. Additionally, these tools can help reduce the impact of pollution, soil degradation, and water contamination, as well as enhance efforts in trapping greenhouse gases and mitigating flood risks.

STATGEN 2025: Conference on Statistics in Genomics and Genetics

When: May 21-23, 2025

Where: Graduate Hotel on the University of Minnesota Campus in Minneapolis

STATGEN 2025 conference - This year, we are hosting the American Statistical Association (ASA) Section on Statistics in Genomics and Genetics conference in Minneapolis. The conference will feature outstanding plenary speakers and 31 excellent invited sessions.

*Currently accepting submissions for talks (15 minutes), speed talks (3–8 minutes), and poster presentations. The submission form is here: Submission Form

2025 Data-Intensive Research Conference

When: August 6-7, 2025

Where: Minneapolis, MN & Virtual

The IPUMS Big Microdata Network and NDIRA, a collaboration between IPUMS and the University of Minnesota Life Course Center, are currently accepting submissions for the 2025 Data-Intensive Research Conference, to be held in person in Minneapolis, Minnesota; key components of the program will also be available to virtual participants. The conference theme is Understanding Health and Population Dynamics through Big Microdata.

Learning Resources

ADVISER Workshop & Hackathon (Opens Google forms)

April 3-4, 2025

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Explore cloud computing for computational geosciences using Icepack, Firedrake, and the new cloud computing platform, ADVISER, with real-world datasets.

Why Attend?

Hands-on Experience: Gain practical skills in cloud computing, numerical modeling, and high-performance computing (HPC).
Hackathon Challenge: Work with Adviser, Firedrake, and Icepack to solve real-world geoscience problems—and win prizes!
Workshops: Learn about computational glaciology, cloud-based simulations, and cutting-edge HPC applications.

This event is completely free for selected participants residing in the US — all travel, accommodation, and meals will be covered. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Register here (Opens Google forms)

AI Responsible Teaching and Learning at UT Austin

April 7, 2025, 1:00 PM CT

Via Zoom

The University of Texas at Austin declared 2024 as the “Year of AI,” sparking numerous projects, convenings, and efforts across campus to explore how artificial intelligence technologies will influence higher education and society. As part of this initiative, the University began developing an AI tutor platform and established a dedicated role for the adoption of AI in teaching and learning. Kasey Ford, who took on this role, will discuss the development of Sage (the tutor platform), policy work around responsible AI adoption and literacy, and how the campus community is building on this momentum while focusing on student outcomes.

Contact Dr. George Veletsianos at [email protected] with any questions.

Leveraging Generative AI for Business

June 2-3, 2025
Register by February 15, 2025 using the code ELEVATE25 for 15% off your registration!

AI, both traditional and generative, can enhance efficiency, elevate products and services, and drive innovation. In our 2-day Leveraging Generative AI for Business course, you’ll gain a practical Gen AI toolkit and develop an actionable plan for a tangible project. You’ll leave the program with a concrete strategy to implement a value-driven, Gen AI-aided initiative and the confidence to lead as an AI champion within your organization.

Enroll today and enhance your ability to:

Apply practical frameworks to identify and prioritize potential Gen AI-aided projects
Understand the limitations of Gen AI and avoid common pitfalls

Navigate the impact of organizational culture on the acceptance and use of Gen AI.

REU: AI, Data Analytics, and Mixed Reality for Smart and Connected Health

Texas State University and Texas A&M San Antonio are accepting applications from undergraduate students to attend their 9-week summer program: REU: AI, Data Analytics, and Mixed Reality for Smart and Connected Health

This Texas State University (TXST) REU site engages undergraduate students in innovative Smart and Connected Health and Communities research in collaboration with Texas A&M-San Antonio. Students explore areas like AI-driven emotion recognition for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), enhanced firefighting systems, and tech-assisted sports assessments for spinal cord injuries. Projects apply machine learning, AI, and IoT to real-world challenges, such as developing AI-powered smart homes for individuals with ASD and improving chronic ankle instability diagnosis. Students also study advanced computer vision for object tracking in engineering. This interdisciplinary experience prepares participants for advanced STEM studies and careers.

The program runs from June 2 to August 1, 2025

A stipend of $6,300 ($700/week)
A travel stipend of $700
Housing and meals are included
The site will support nine student positions for the summer

Eligibility:

Undergraduate students – sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior
US Citizen or permanent resident
GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)

Requirements for the application:

Your current Resume/CV (PDF file)
Purpose Statement (PDF file)
Unofficial University transcript (PDF file)
Two recommendation letters (PDF files)
You can express interest in a specific project(s) in your statement. - see projects

Starting to review application: March 1st, 2025

Decision notifications: Ongoing until positions are filled

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Damian Valles, [email protected]

Funding Opportunities and Deadline

If you're interested in exploring these or other data science opportunities, whether it's finding the right team, preparing your submission, or partnering with industry on federal and state funding initiatives, please reach out—we’re here to help!

DARPA I20 Securing Artificial Intelligence for Battlefield Effective Robustness (SABER) - This program (BAA not out yet) seeks performers who can assist in surveying, assessing, selecting, developing, and employing state-of-the-art physical (including manufacturing/materials), adversarial AI (including digital), cyber and electronic warfare techniques and tools, or other relevant vectors for enabling the operational assessment of AI-enabled system development and deployment pipelines.The Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting white papers under this Broad Agency Announcement for research, development, integration, test and evaluation of technologies/techniques to support research in the focus areas computational diversity and efficient computing architectures, machine learning and artificial intelligence in embedded system and architectures, computing at the edge, nanocomputing, space computing, and robust algorithms and applications. Deadline TBD.
DoD AFRL Extreme Computing - The Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting white papers under this Broad Agency Announcement for research, development, integration, test and evaluation of technologies/techniques to support research in the focus areas computational diversity and efficient computing architectures, machine learning and artificial intelligence in embedded system and architectures, computing at the edge, nanocomputing, space computing, and robust algorithms and applications. White papers accepted on a rolling basis.
DoD AFRL Advanced Tracking Architecture using AI - Seeking research to design, develop, test, evaluate, and deliver innovative technologies and techniques for Next Generation Target Tracking architectures, which exploit a wide array of data sources and leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Machine Inferencing (MI) algorithms in a High Performance Computing (HPC) enabled framework. White papers accepted on a rolling basis.

April deadlines:

Dept of Transportation Developing Pedestrian Realistic Artificial Datasets (RADS) - The Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety and Operations Research and Development is seeking ways (including potential artificial Intelligence’s role) to develop realistic artificial datasets of pedestrian volumes (counts) for various roadway types to be useful for developing crash modification factors and planning pedestrian facility. Deadline: April 7th

For students:

The NSF PACK fellowship: The PACK fellowship is a graduate student opportunity to conduct research at the University of Kiel, Germany for 3 weeks. Applicants from any science or engineering discipline are encouraged to apply now!

Open Positions, Assistantships, and Internships

Statewide California Earthquake Center Internships: Through hands-on research and professional development, SCEC interns acquire skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and systems thinking, collaborating with a diverse community of experts from over 90 institutions. SURE offers immersive, in-person research, while SOURCES provides accessible, remote opportunities. Both programs empower students to deepen their knowledge, expand professional networks, and contribute to impactful projects that address pressing geoscience challenges.
Department of Defense High-Performance Computing Internship Program: The Department of Defense’s (DoD) High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) sponsors two summer research opportunities: the High-Performance Computing Internship Program (HIP) and the Faculty Immersion Experience (FIX). These 10-week experiences are offered in collaboration with more than a dozen DoD hosting organizations nationwide. Both programs seek to strengthen DoD and academic collaboration, enhance research capabilities, and encourage broader university-level participation in high-end computing.

Social Media/Website Links

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