March 2025
Welcome to the March edition of the Data Science Initiative newsletter!
Spring is a time for fresh ideas and collaboration, and this month, the DSI is celebrating just that. Our Seed Grant Showcase highlighted the innovative work of our grant recipients, showcasing groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of data science. We also launched our first AI & Higher Education Webinar with Dr. David Joyner, sparking insightful discussions on the evolving role of AI in learning. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue the conversation with our next webinar featuring Dr. Sonja Schmer-Galunder, where we’ll explore new perspectives on AI’s impact in academia. Stay tuned for more ways to engage with the DSI community!
Register Now for the MinneMUDAC Student Data Challenge - Join the DSI and MinneAnalytics for the sixth edition of the MinneMUDAC Student Data Challenge, inviting students to explore real-world data while enhancing and showcasing their skills. This month-long challenge (plus an extra week for spring break) culminates at the main event on Saturday, April 5 at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Registration is now open for:
Students: Undergraduate and graduate students welcome. Please note that you must enter the team name and name/email of a faculty or staff advisor to register.
Faculty/Staff Advisors: Each team requires a faculty or staff advisor to provide guidance throughout the challenge.
Judges/Mentors: Share your experience with the next generation of analytics professionals. Industry professionals who would like to judge and provide mentorship may register by selecting the “Judge/Mentor” ticket option.
We are excited to announce the MinneMUDAC 2025 client is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Twin Cities. Details about this year’s challenge will be announced by March 1.
*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.
Featured Article/Celebrating Success
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Recap of the Seed Grant Showcase & 2024 AwardeesOn February 11, 2025, the Data Science Initiative (DSI) hosted the Seed Grant Showcase, bringing together researchers, students, and professionals to celebrate cutting-edge data science research. The event featured lightning talks from past awardees, engaging discussions, and a vibrant poster session where the 2024 Seed Grant recipients presented their work. Attendees explored innovative projects, exchanged ideas, and connected with colleagues across disciplines. The showcase highlighted the impact of DSI’s funding in advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering new collaborations. 2024 Seed Grant Awardees & Research Projects
View the research posters and learn more about the 2024 awardees |
🌟 Special Edition: Community Corner Spotlight – Honoring Jim Ferguson! 🌟As Jim Ferguson, Director of Outreach and Training at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, prepares for retirement, we celebrate his incredible career and lasting contributions to research and data science. From shaping networking standards to developing tools still in use today, Jim’s work has empowered researchers and advanced the field. Throughout his career, he’s witnessed the evolution of data science, emphasizing the importance of computing power, data storage, and rigorous methodology. He shared insights on unexpected innovations—like the widespread adoption of a tool he helped create—and reflected on the future, including the potential of quantum computing and the responsibility of data scientists in ensuring reliable conclusions. 🔗 Read Jim’s full reflections here!
📢 How to Get Involved: Let us know if you’d like to be featured or nominate someone who’s making an impact. This is your chance to shine and help us showcase the amazing talent and innovation that defines the DSI community. Submit your interest to Leah Saaristo at [email protected]. Let’s celebrate the diverse voices that make the Data Science Initiative extraordinary! |
Initiative Updates
DSI Takes Over the World: AI Explorers Summer Camp
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 will be open on 04/03/25! Head to the DSI Site to Register! Register now
Be apart of DSI Funded Research - Research Participation Opportunity
Are you a graduate student at the University of Minnesota with at least three credits of a graduate-level data analysis course? The Data Science Initiative (DSI) is supporting a research study seeking participants to contribute to data-driven research. Participation involves approximately 2.25 hours, during which you will complete a training survey, analyze a provided dataset, and describe your methodology. Participants can earn up to $50 for their time and may have the opportunity for authorship credit.
To get involved, contact [email protected].
Research Spotlight - Seed Grant Awardee
Title: MOOBI: Multi-Omics Optimization-Based Integration for Enhanced Cancer Research Datasets PI(s): David Guinovart DSI Track: Foundational MnDRIVE Area(s): Cancer Clinical Trials Summary Paragraph: The research labs of Dr. David Guinovart and Dr. Eric Rahrmann, Assistant Professors at The Hormel Institute, are collaborating on the MOOBI (Multi-Omics Optimization-Based Integration) project to tackle key challenges in integrating complex biological data for cancer research. By combining expertise in computational biology and cancer genomics, the project harnesses advanced machine learning techniques and publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to develop innovative tools for cancer subtype classification and biomarker discovery. The MOOBI project focuses on integrating diverse “omics” datasets, including genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic data. Data noise, high dimensionality, and heterogeneity often limit traditional multi-omics analyses. To overcome these challenges, the MOOBI project employs a two-step approach: (1) optimizing gene selection using a novel machine learning algorithm and (2) fine-tuning a predictive model to classify cancer subtypes with high accuracy. The project will first apply the MOOBI framework to breast cancer (BRCA) data as proof of concept, creating a high-quality, integrated resource to uncover meaningful molecular patterns and identify clinically relevant biomarkers. Experimental validation is conducted through collaborative case studies to demonstrate the utility of the MOOBI-enhanced datasets. Specifically, cell culture experiments provide critical insights into the identified biomarkers' biological relevance and therapeutic potential. These validations ensure that the computational findings translate into meaningful discoveries, bridging the gap between data-driven research and real-world cancer diagnosis and treatment applications. Future work will extend this approach to additional cancer types, producing a comprehensive multi-cancer resource for researchers to explore cross-cancer analyses and shared molecular pathways. To ensure that the broader research community benefits from this work, a user-friendly platform is designed to provide seamless access to the enhanced multi-omics datasets. The platform prioritizes ease of use, enabling researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN), including those without computational expertise, to leverage these datasets for applications such as biomarker discovery, cancer subtype classification, and precision medicine research. This project, supported by a DSI Data Set Grant, accelerates multi-omics data integration through cutting-edge computational tools and methods. By creating reliable, high-quality datasets, MOOBI empowers researchers to uncover novel biological insights, improve diagnostic strategies, and contribute to developing targeted therapies that address the unique needs of cancer patients. This work exemplifies the transformative potential of data science within the Digital Health and Personalized Health Care Delivery focus area of the DSI Seed Grant program.
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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!
AI and Higher Education Webinar with Sonja Schmer-Galunder
When: Tuesday, March 4, 12:00 PM CT
Where: Online
We are excited to present the second webinar in our AI and Education Webinar Series, showcasing how AI is revolutionizing education. This webinar features Sonja Schmer-Galunder, presenting her talk on “The AI Monoculture: Preserving Human Diversity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, which will explore how AI-driven standardization threatens human diversity, questioning the risks of intellectual homogenization and the loss of diverse ways of knowing in an AI-dominated world.
This free event is open to the entire education community. Register today to reserve your spot!
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. 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)
NIH Data Sharing Index (S-index) Challenge
When: Mandatory Registration (intent to participate) Due: March 3, 2025
Are you passionate about Open Science and FAIR data principles?
Calling all researchers, healthcare professionals, data scientists, informaticians, and anyone interested in expanding data sharing in research to participate in the Data Sharing Index (S-index) Challenge.
Total prize pool of $1million, with a first prize of $500,000!
Led by the National Eye Institute (NEI) with contributions from multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs), aims to incentivize the creation, development, and validation of a quantitative data sharing index.
AI and Data Science for Mental Health: An AID-H Theme-Focused Workshop
When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Walter 101 and online
Join us for an interdisciplinary workshop exploring AI and data science for mental health. Organized by the AID-H working group, this event brings together diverse experts to stimulate collaboration and innovation. The workshop will feature short talks showcasing current research in mental health, followed by interactive group discussions focused on specific challenges and opportunities. All are welcome to contribute by sharing interests, projects, or perspectives - no specialized knowledge is required. We aim to explore how data-driven approaches can improve mental health outcomes. Those who RSVP will receive a Google calendar invitation. Light lunch provided for those who RSVP to attend in person.
Annual Research Ethics Day Webinar
The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research: Challenges & Emerging Guidance
When: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 9:00am – 3:00pm Central | 10:00am – 4:00pm Eastern | 7:00am – 1:00pm Pacific
Researchers across many disciplines are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, to support empirical research and data analysis, academic writing, peer review, and development of new tools. The broad reach of AI in research raises pressing ethical questions about scientific integrity, authorship, data privacy, bias, and equity.
This conference brings together leading experts from a range of disciplines, from biomedical sciences to the humanities, to confront the challenge of ethical use of AI in research. National leaders will discuss how AI is being used in research, the challenges to research ethics and integrity, current guidance on using AI in research and publication, and much more. Click here to learn more
Predatory Data: Feminist Resistance in Big Tech
When: Thursday March 6, 5pm to 7pm.
Where: HHH School of Public Affairs Rm 105
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Anita Say Chan about her new book, Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future. This program is co-organized by Prof. Christina Ewig (Director, Center for Women, Gender & Public Policy at the Humphrey School) and me (CBI, HSTM). Co-sponsored by UMN's Anthropology, RIDGS, & Interdisciplinary Center for Global Change. Event will be a 50 minute headline lecture, followed by Q & A.
Anita is a creative, thought-leading scholar who does absolutely amazing work! Anita's first book Networking Peripheries is a gem on postcolonialism, design & resistances in computer networking & culture (on the "periphery") in Peru. Anita's new book (on which the talk on March 6th draws), Predatory Data, is also tremendous! It focuses on the long history of data and eugenics, & how big tech corporations today & the systems they create & deploy, are built on this foundation that exploits women & immigrants. It could not be more timely! Anita has been in high demand giving talks at top universities & colleges around North America in early 2025 since Predatory Data was published last month, & we are thrilled to have Anita visit us at UMN, to speak, & to have this important conversation with us!
National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) Conference
When: March 6-9, 2025
The NICAR conference will be held in Minneapolis March 6-9, 2025. Lots of data journalism training at all skill levels, with discounts for freelance, early career and student journalists. Not sure if it’s for you? Here’s an interesting take from a “NICAR newbie."
CatchLight and Prism Photo Workshop are collaborating to develop a better understanding of the current state of local visual journalism in U.S. media with their Local Visual Journalism 2024-2025 Survey, open until January 10. It’s long, but there are prizes!
Explore Generative AI Tools
When: Tuesday, March 11th at 11:00am
Where: Zoom
Are you interested in exploring the generative AI tools that UMN faculty, staff, and students have access to? During this workshop we will demonstrate examples of how Microsoft Copilot and Zoom AI Companion can help you with course design tasks, such as drafting student-friendly course materials, generating accessible images, and enhancing online meeting experiences.
Mental Health Mass Communication: Using Messages to Relieve the Plight of People with Mental Illness
When: Friday, March 28 & Saturday, March 29, 2025
Where: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN
Are you interested in developing and testing messaging that can effectively promote mental health in the general population, reduce stigma of mental illness, and encourage people affected by mental health challenges to seek professional help?
Then register now for this first of its kind symposium to hear and speak with 12 renowned scholars from communication, psychology, psychiatry, and public health.
The symposium connects graduate students, research faculty, and practitioners who do or want to do the type of work that is necessary for strengthening mental health communication.
There will be two sessions on Friday March 28 and two sessions on March 29. Each session has talks from three speakers and a roundtable discussion with speakers and other attendees. Light breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to you.
To maximize outcomes, the symposium is designed as a small group meeting. There is only a limited number of attendance spots, so register now!
Registration is free. Register Now
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 at z.umn.edu/BACH-Convene or register at 7th Annual Convene Conference Registration.
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
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!
March deadlines:
For students:
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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.
