May 2025

Welcome to the May edition of the Data Science and AI Hub newsletter!

We’re now the Data Science & AI Hub — and that’s just the beginning.

Innovation and collaboration have always been central to our mission. As we celebrate our new name — the Data Science and AI Hub — we’re reaffirming our commitment to uniting researchers, students, and partners to explore the future of data and AI. This past month, we saw that mission come to life at MinneMUDAC, which drew an incredible turnout of students, mentors, and judges from across the region. The energy, creativity, and talent on display showed us how bright the future of data science truly is. We also closed out our AI and Higher Education webinar series with an insightful session led by Dr. Lee-Ann Breuch, titled: "Faculty and Graduate Instructors Reflect on How Generative AI is Shaping Their Writing Classrooms." Her panel brought to light the complex, evolving role of AI in pedagogy, sparking conversations that will inform future teaching strategies and student engagement. If you missed the webinar, view it on our youtube channel. We look forward to continuing these timely discussions with new sessions in the fall, beginning with a talk on Tuesday, September 16, from noon to 1 p.m., featuring Scott Lantham from UMass Lowell presenting a discussion of Are You Ready for the AI University? from The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Looking ahead:

• Join us at the AI Spring Summit, in partnership with the Health AI Institute
• Mark you calendar for November 3rd, 2025 for our second WiADS Conference

This is just the start. As the Data Science and AI Hub, we’re excited to keep growing, connecting, and leading. Stay tuned for more ways to engage with our community.

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

Call for manuscript: A new call for papers, Generative AI and Advertising: Building New Theoretical Frontiers, explores how GenAI is reshaping content creation, consumer trust, and the very foundations of advertising theory. From virtual influencers to hyper-personalized ads, what does the future hold? Read more in the Journal of Advertising

A Premier Gathering of Leaders in Healthcare, Technology, and Policy to Shape the Future of AI

Join Industry Leaders in Healthcare, Technology, and Policy for the AI Spring Summit 2025, a dynamic three-day event hosted by the Data Science Initiative (DSI) and the Health AI Institute (HAI). This summit will bring together leaders in technology, healthcare, academia, and policy to explore how artificial intelligence is built, governed, and applied in the real world.

Held at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the event is anchored by two interconnected workshops that highlight both the technical and societal dimensions of AI:

June 10–11: Health AI Summit – Focused on AI in clinical care, public health, operational efficiency, and emerging tech, with speakers from Microsoft, Mayo Clinic, Regions Hospital, and more.

June 11–12: DSI Spring Research Workshop – Centered on AI governance, ethics, and policy, featuring experts from the New York Times, Associated Press, Fredrikson & Byron, and Georgetown Law.

Expect engaging keynotes, interactive sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities with professionals shaping the future of AI in healthcare and beyond. Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, or policymaker, this summit offers space to connect and collaborate across disciplines.

Reminder: Faculty, students and staff of any University get a discounted rate to attend this summit Registration deadline is May 26th!

More info & registration

The DSAI Hub regularly features interviews with members of our vibrant data science community, delving into their perspectives on the field and its implications for their careers.

This month we are honored to spotlight Denisha Demeritte, a data steward at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, she supports UMN researchers with data management, particularly in access and controls for protected data. She’s been involved in onboarding protocols for Blackwell, MSI’s HIPAA-compliant HPC cluster, which enables projects like the Genomic Data Commons to manage highly restricted data. Denisha defines data science as a scientific, interdisciplinary approach to extracting and interpreting data for informed decision-making. She’s currently working with the Center for Mesoscale Connectomics, where advanced imaging is revealing new patterns in brain connectivity. She’s also helping develop the UMN Genomic Data Commons, a new resource for sharing and analyzing genomic data. Looking ahead, she’s excited about the increasing focus on data management and ethical AI use in research.

Read Denisha’s full Community Corner spotlight on the DSAI website.

? 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 DSAI Hub community.

Submit your interest to Leah Saaristo at [email protected]. Let’s celebrate the diverse voices that make the Data Science Initiative extraordinary!

View Previous Spotlights

Announcing a New Era: From Data Science Initiative to the Data Science and AI Hub

We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter in our journey: the Data Science Initiative is becoming the Data Science and AI Hub—your gateway to Minnesota’s rapidly evolving data science and AI ecosystem. This rebrand marks more than just a name change—it reflects an ambitious expansion that aligns with the accelerating pace of innovation in artificial intelligence and its deep, ongoing synergy with data science.

As AI continues to reshape our world, the Hub will serve as a bold, forward-looking platform dedicated to advancing responsible AI innovation, building strong industry and academic partnerships, and equipping a diverse new generation of leaders with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-powered future.

Over the next few months, we’ll be completing this transformation, unveiling new programs, resources, and opportunities that reflect our expanded mission. It’s all leading up to a major event where we’ll officially launch and celebrate the Data Science and AI Hub—stay tuned for more details!

Be sure to follow along as we grow into this new era and help shape the future of AI and data science in Minnesota.

Research Spotlight - Seed Grant Awardee

Title: CVNEURO-CORE: CerebroVascular Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, & Radiological Outcomes Research Ecosystem

PI(s): Margy McCullough-Hicks 
Collaborators: Christopher Streib, Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, Lin Yee 
Chen, Bharathi Jagadeesan, Ramachandra Tummala, Sisi Ma 
DSAI Hub Track: Digital Health and Personalized Health Care Delivery 
MnDRIVE Area(s): Brain Conditions

Summary Paragraph: 

The CVNEURO-CORE (CerebroVascular Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, Radiological Outcomes Research Ecosystem) initiative will develop a large-scale, continuously expanding cerebrovascular research dataset that integrates clinical and radiographic data from patients treated for ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Leveraging the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) Stroke Registry, which currently includes data from over 10,000 patients across MHealth Fairview hospitals, CVNEURO-CORE will establish a centralized, interdisciplinary platform fostering collaborative research across, but not limited to, the Departments of Neurology, Cardiology, Radiology, Neurosurgery, Epidemiology, and Health Informatics. CVNEURO-CORE will address critical gaps in existing datasets by incorporating comprehensive radiographic data, facilitating novel analyses, and reducing redundant data cleaning through streamlined processes. In centralizing real-world cerebrovascular data, CVNEURO-CORE will enable interdisciplinary investigations into topics such as stroke etiology, imaging biomarkers, and disparities in care, improving patient outcomes and supporting ongoing grant submissions. This initiative aligns with the University of Minnesota’s MnDRIVE Brain Conditions goal, promoting brain health and minimizing post-stroke disability through innovative research collaborations.

View Seed Grant Awardees

Events

AI Spring Summit

When: June 10–12, 2025 
Where: Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

Join Industry Leaders in Healthcare, Technology, and Policy for the AI Spring Summit 2025, a dynamic three-day event hosted by the Data Science Initiative (DSI) and the Health AI Institute (HAI). This summit will bring together leaders in technology, healthcare, academia, and policy to explore how artificial intelligence is built, governed, and applied in the real world. Held at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the event is anchored by two interconnected workshops that highlight both the technical and societal dimensions of AI:

• June 10–11: Health AI Summit – Focused on AI in clinical care, public health, operational efficiency, and emerging tech, with speakers from Microsoft, Mayo Clinic, Regions Hospital, and more.
• June 11–12: DSI Spring Research Workshop – Centered on AI governance, ethics, and policy, featuring experts from the New York Times, Associated Press, Fredrikson & Byron, and Georgetown Law.

Expect engaging keynotes, interactive sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities with professionals shaping the future of AI in healthcare and beyond. Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, or policymaker, this summit offers space to connect and collaborate across disciplines.

More info & registration for the Summit

Run the World: AI Explorers Summer Camp

The Run the World: AI Explorers Summer Camp is an immersive experience where high school students explore the power of AI, machine learning, and data science. Now hosted by the Data Science and AI Hub, this camp continues a strong tradition of bringing students to campus to engage with cutting-edge technology and real-world data.

July 7-11, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM:

• Session 1 - Basic Artificial Intelligence for Everyone
• Session 2: Basic Artificial Intelligence: All Girls

July 14-18, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM:

• Session 3 - Advanced AI for Everyone

All sessions take place in person on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

More Information and Registration: Run the World- AI Explorer’s Camp

Data Discovery Across Departments 

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

AI + Communications: A Strategic Approach

When: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, In-Person: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Virtual: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. 
Where: Hybrid and In-Person: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 131B Bruininks Hall

It seems like every tool for communicators is advertising some sort of AI feature - AI summaries, AI audience targeting, AI image generation and more. What does that actually mean though? What’s legitimately interesting, and what’s just overblown hype? This presentation by Colin McFadden will provide some basic guidance for evaluating AI tools and thinking about how you can benefit from this emergent technology in your own work.

Colin McFadden is a Technology Architect for the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. His work primarily focuses on data organization, advanced imaging, and the thoughtful application of technology to benefit education and research. Away from the computer, he is passionate about travel, cooking, and rock climbing. Preferably all at the same time.

This is a hybrid event with an in-person component at 131B Bruininks Hall. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees beginning at 11:30. The presentation will begin at 12:00. 

Join your fellow communicators and register here

CSE DSI GenAI Day and Open House

When: May 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Where: Keller 3-210 (GenAI Day, 10am-2pm) and Keller 4-250 (Open House, 2-3pm)

Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming science and engineering, with foundation models like ChatGPT now widely used—and often outperforming traditional methods—across disciplines.

CSE’s Data Science Initiative is hosting GenAI Day and Open House to showcase cutting-edge research, spark collaboration, and launch a new interactive space in Keller Hall.

This is the first step in positioning UMN as a leader in GenAI, with future efforts focused on assessing its potential, addressing limitations, and advancing its role in scientific discovery. 

AID-H Working Group Workshop on Aging

When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Where: Walter Library Room 101

Join us for an interdisciplinary workshop exploring AI and data science for aging research. 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 aging research (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease) using AI and data science approaches, followed by interactive group discussions focused on specific challenges and collaboration 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 aging outcomes. Those who RSVP will receive a Google calendar invitation.

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

North American School of Information Theory (NASIT)

When: June 16-20 
Where: Minneapolis, MN & Virtual  

This year’s North American School of Information Theory (NASIT) will be held here at the University of Minnesota on June 16-20. There will be 11 tutorials on a wide range of topics from information theory and machine learning to bioinformatics. NASIT offers a valuable opportunity for students and postdocs to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. The organizers (CSE DSI affiliates Martina Cardone, Mohammad Ali Maddah-Ali, and Soheil Mohajer) hope you’ll encourage your students and postdocs to attend. Registration fees ranging from $120-$200 (depending on IEEE membership). The deadline for early registration is May 10th. Register for NASIT here

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!

• DOE Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on DOE Lands The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is exploring opportunities to leverage its land assets to support the growing demand for AI infrastructure. Responses to the RFI are requested by May 7, 2025.
• DARPA Methodological Advancements for Generalizable Insights into Complex Systems (MAGICS) This ARC opportunity is soliciting ideas to explore the question: Are there new methods and paradigms for modeling collective human behavior capable of overcoming limits of statistical approaches to accurately predict complex social phenomena and capture the dynamics of evolving, open, time varying, recursive, reactive, non-ergodic systems? Deadline: July 10, 2025.
• NSF Incorporating Human Behavior in Epidemiological Models (IHBEM) The IHBEM program is motivated by the urgent need to provide more useful modeling tools to inform decision making and to evaluate public health policies during pandemics and other public health crises, with the premise that improvement may be made by incorporating human behavioral and social processes. Full Proposal Deadline: July 14, 2025.
• DARPA expMath (Solicitation posted!): Exponentiating Mathematics The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals in the technical area of artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically increase the rate of progress in mathematics. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. Proposal abstract due May 15, 2025 (strongly encouraged); proposals due July 8, 2025.
• NSF Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE): The Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) program invites innovative multidisciplinary and multisector investigations focused on convergent research and education activities in wildland fire. To advance convergent research and education in wildland fire science, FIRE proposals should demonstrate strengths in one or more of the areas including new modeling and computational approaches to understand wildland fire (including artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches). See solicitation for full list. Full Proposal Window for 2025: June 12 - June 20. Full Proposal Window for 2026: February 3 - February 10, annually thereafter.

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

• Centrific PhD / Masters Researcher Program: Are you a PhD / MS student working in NLP, Computer Vision, LLMs, VLMs, Responsible AI and passionate about solving real-world problems by pushing the boundaries of technology? Do you want to impact the latest industry advancements in NLP, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and more? We're thrilled to announce our PhD Research Internship Program, where academic innovation meets industry expertise! Apply Now: Send your resume to [email protected] or [email protected]
• Postdoc on Visual Imaginaries of Gender in Generative AI at the University of Amsterdam: Are you interested in exploring the intersection of generative artificial intelligence, art, and gender representation? We’re seeking a researcher to join our interdisciplinary team cutting across AI, History, and Psychology to map generative AI’s imaginaries of gender. If you’re excited about combining technical experimentation with critical cultural analysis to shape the future of generative AI in artistic practice, we’d love to hear from you! Deadline 5/20
• Postdoc on National Security Data and Policy: The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the newly established National Security Data and Policy Institute. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of network science, global research competitiveness, and generative AI capabilities. Apply here.
• Associate Professor Biomedical Data Science and Informatics The Medical College of Wisconsin: MCW is seeking full-time biomedical data science and informatics faculty Candidates with exceptional accomplishments and scholarly productivity will be prioritized. Candidates with expertise in bioinformatics, machine learning, data integration & harmonization, natural language processing including large language models, imaging informatics, and pathology informatics are of particular interest. Application areas of priority include cancer, rare diseases, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, mental health, immunology, and bone marrow transplant. Apply here
• Sports Statistics Analyst, ESPN: Disney ESPN is seeking a Statistics Analyst II. As a Stats Analyst II at ESPN, you will be an integral part of our Stats & Analysis Team. This entry-level role is perfect for a sports fan with a curious mind and a willingness to learn, as you will be accountable for providing accurate, timely, and insightful sports data to ESPN platforms worldwide. Working in a dynamic and technology-motivated production environment, you will work together with world-class talent to deliver game-changing ideas and extraordinary experiences for sports fans. Your passion for sports statistics, attention to detail, and adaptability will be key to your success in this innovative and fast-paced role. Your role is crucial in maintaining the confidence and engagement of our audience by providing accurate and insightful sports data that powers critical fan-facing experiences and provides the foundation for ESPN’s best-in-class sports research and insights. Apply here

Social Media/Website Links

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