The University of Notre Dame's Online Master's in Data Science program recently held its January Immersion at AT&T's global headquarters in Dallas, Texas. This provided students with an invaluable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology, explore ethical considerations, and connect with fellow classmates and alumni.
Over three days, students interacted with industry experts and participated in coding challenges focused on large language models (LLMs) and other Generative AI platforms.
The immersion fostered discussions surrounding the critical importance of ethical practices in data science. Sessions led by experts, including Rofy Okyere-Forson (‘22), co-founder of yshade.ai, delved into responsible data handling, algorithmic bias, and the broader societal implications of data-driven decision-making. These discussions underscored Notre Dame's commitment to developing ethical leaders in the field, emphasizing the importance of responsible innovation and the potential impact of AI on society.
“It was interesting to hear how data science and generative AI are applicable in almost every industry, as some of our speakers worked in sports, tech, and health/beauty - three seemingly unrelated fields that are tied together by data science and its applications.” said Michael Mulvihill ('26). “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Emerson Almeida (‘21), AT&T's AVP of Public Sector Shared Services, delivered a keynote address. He shared his personal experience with the program and illustrated how he applies its principles to his job at AT&T to help continue the company's global leadership.
Over the weekend, the students also participated in a hands-on workshop that challenged them to work in an unfamiliar environment to accomplish data science tasks. Students used Generative AI to help create code to interact with physical sensors and outputs that would be used in industrial environments. This type of experience allowed students to see both the strengths and weaknesses of code generated by LLMs.
Beyond the academic sessions, the immersion offered students a chance to build community and celebrate. The group gathered to watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish secure a victory against the Penn State Lions in the Orange Bowl.
"We are incredibly grateful to AT&T for hosting our students," said Program Director Roger Woodard. "This immersion experience is a crucial part of our program, providing students with hands-on learning, exposure to industry leaders, and the chance to build lasting connections with their peers. The focus on technical skills and ethical considerations reflects our commitment to developing well-rounded data scientists who are prepared to be a force for good in the world."
The January Immersion is just one example of the many opportunities for students in Notre Dame's Online Master's in Data Science program. The program's curriculum, combined with these immersive experiences, prepares graduates for leadership roles in the rapidly growing field of data science.
Do you want to be a part of the next cohort of Notre Dame data scientists? Check out all of our upcoming events and click here to apply by our May 4, 2025 deadline.