Keeping up with the latest trends and technological innovations in the world of data science, like artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on our lives, can pose a challenge. As an answer to the ever-changing landscape of the field, the Online Masters Program in Data Science at the University of Notre Dame invites its students to attend Immersion weekends twice a year. These in-person events, held both on Notre Dame’s campus and at locations around the United States, allow students to come together as a group and delve deeper into cutting-edge topics. These events also provide a meaningful opportunity for students to form personal connections with the Notre Dame community and leaders from industry.
“We have these events to invite thought-provoking speakers, hands-on technical workshops, deeper dives into cutting-edge advances, panels of experts, and case studies of how data science is being used in the industry,” said Assistant Teaching Professor Chris Frederick.
In January, the group traveled to Silicon Valley for three days of engaging lectures, a speaker series, and professional networking opportunities. The timely theme of data privacy and security introduced students to concepts and topics that significantly impact nearly every job field. The weekend featured speakers from Meta, LinkedIn, Apple, FanDuel, and more.
“The immersions are a big reason I was attracted to the ND data science program, as opposed to other schools' online programs,” Rosemary Meagher, a first-year student, said. “I think of them as a crucial supplement to the online platform. Being present, hearing the presentations from experts, seeing staff and faculty in person, and participating in discussions was a great opportunity. I'm so glad I went. In every session, I learned something new.”
The weekend was grounded in how data science methods and tools impact the people around us and how students can contribute. Ethics was a thread woven throughout the sessions, from how it impacts our privacy laws to the technical interworking of facial recognition and biometrics. Patrick Flynn, a professor at the University, walked students through a hands-on coding exercise that explored biometric AI, which led the group into a discussion of the ethical issues around such a system.
Other sessions, such as one led by Brian Naughton, adjunct professor and data scientist at Google, illustrated concepts of A/B testing using simulations and interactive visualizations, making a complex topic simple. A session focusing on large language modeling helped to demystify how models work, which moved into a hands-on workshop that exposed students to the virtues and pitfalls of prompt engineering. This session explored how, if we’re careful, we can use large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, and tools, such as langchain, in our data science processes.
Alumni of the program shared their insights into their careers and provided students with an inside look at how the skills they are learning in the program are pivotal to their success after graduation.
“It’s fantastic to come back as an alumni and share some insights about how the program has guided my career and the practical applications of data science in industry,” Cole Leppert ('MS23) said. “It’s such a broad field, so I think it’s important to hear some of the unique ways the coursework can be applied and the different avenues you can explore with such a powerful degree."
The weekends focus on the practical applications of data science and give the students time to bond through group activities and dinner outings, forming a community they will take into their courses.
Roger Woodard, the program's director, said, “Our mission is to build a community of data science leaders, and one of the ways we help our students become part of that community is with our immersion weekends. These events give students the opportunity to learn, have fun, and get to know their classmates. Many of our students stay friends after their time in the program because they have built such strong connections.”
If you want to learn more about the program and how you can join the next cohort of Notre Dame data scientists, check out our upcoming events or email datascience@nd.edu.