“Data has been here forever. Before we humans were here, there was data about the universe,” said Jay Aikat, vice dean of the UNC School of Data Science and Society (SDSS) and research professor of computer science. “It’s a matter of us paying attention to the data and what we’re doing with it to advance humankind.”
That advancement is at the forefront of SDSS. Launched in 2022, the school is centered on progressing the field of data science and understanding how it impacts society.
As a hub of the technology and biotech industry, the Research Triangle is a fitting spot for a new school of data science. With around 4,000 tech companies, some of the fastest growing segments in the Triangle are in areas like analytics, nanotechnology and wearables. Giants like Vinfast, Wolfspeed and Apple — as well as a myriad of smaller companies and startups — are keen to hire graduates with strong data literacy.
For better or worse, data is pervasive in every area of life. Our physical activity, internet search queries, purchasing and television preferences, and driving tendencies are all tracked through means like smart devices, financial transactions and security cameras.
“How we collect the data, how we analyze the data — are we thinking about privacy and security as we’re collecting data? All of those things matter,” said Aikat. “So, we need to make sure that students are data literate. All our students are data literate.”
SDSS will launch its online Master of Applied Data Science program in January 2024. Graduates will gain general skills in programming, statistics, mathematics and data management, ethics and governance, as well as specialized skills in machine learning, visualization and communication.
This program will be followed by undergraduate and graduate degrees and a certificate program for working professionals.
The goal is to give students multiple avenues to incorporate data science courses into their degree, according to Aikat. This cross-disciplinary focus also drives how SDSS approaches research.
“We’re not just a silo as a school,” she said. “The success of the school really depends on having very strong collaboration with many different units across campus for UNC as a whole to be a data science powerhouse.”
Read more about the new School of Data Science and Society…
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