Offering Real-World Opportunities for Students Enrolled in Statistics and Data Science Undergraduate Research
The primary goal of this community-based service project is to provide experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates interested in statistics and data sciences while supporting the broader Austin-area community. Coordinating with local organizations, students enrolled in some of our SDS courses are gaining hands-on experience in data analysis while exploring authentic contexts. This innovative and collaborative effort provides a community-based model that allows students and local organizations to co-develop and answer real-world research questions. By participating in this project, students not only enhance their data science skills but also contribute meaningfully to their community while holding authority in the investigations they wish to pursue.
Impacts from This Initiative
Applications of Data Science with City Datasets: Poster Session at UT Austin
On April 30, 2025, I hosted a public poster session showcasing student projects focusing on datasets from the City of Austin Open Data Portal, held at the University of Texas at Austin. Projects ranged widely in focus, from environmental data to transportation and public safety, demonstrating the breadth of student inquiry and analysis.
City of Austin Data Meetup (online)
At the end of each semester, about 10 students volunteer to present their findings to the City of Austin employees during one of their regular data meetups.
Open Data Day (Austin Public Library) and Statistics Seminar (Texas State University)
Two presentations about promoting the use of a local open data portal for data science projects.
The first presentation was made with the collaboration of a former student/current UGCA at an event organized by Open Austin, which addresses local social and civic challenges through creative uses of technology.
The second presentation was made at the weekly statistics seminar at Texas State University with mostly professors in attendance.