JUNE 6, 2022 — The UTSA School of Data Science (SDS) is among seven higher learning institutions across the nation chosen to drive social impact through data science.
The seven universities, collectively known as the Capacity Accelerator Network, represent the latest initiative by Data.org, a global platform committed to using data science to empower change.
The partnership will enable the SDS to collaborate with institutions established in data science research and education. Each member of the collaborative will select projects and develop curriculum, tools and experiential models in data science that will create channels for social mobility for students—especially those in underserved communities—and provide opportunities for social change organizations to use data science to solve problems.
The transdisciplinary professors making up the UTSA SDS team will create innovative lessons for students with special needs.
The work of the Capacity Accelerator Network is a personal mission for Rocky Slavin, an assistant professor of computer science who identifies as Hispanic, is first generation, and a member of the SDS’ core faculty.
“This new partnership through Data.org gives us a chance to embrace other backgrounds and communities and to offer our own experiences to a broader network of partners seeking real social impact,” said Slavin.
Niu added, “In particular, the proposed work will focus on the development and delivery of data science curriculum to people with special needs, enabling the UTSA School of Data Science to become a pioneer in ‘data science for all’ efforts.”
Joining UTSA in the Capacity Accelerator Network collaboration are the data science departments at California State University, Fresno, City Colleges of Chicago, Howard University, Morehouse College, North Carolina State University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The seven institutions will meet regularly in the next 18 months to share the results of their lessons and learning modules, ultimately creating a curriculum from their collective experience
“Great strides in science are made by individuals who seek to impact the people and world around them, but we make even greater progress when we bring people and ideas together through interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Slavin.
The first of its kind in Texas, the SDS is a key component in UTSA’s phased, 10-year approach to accelerating the development of its Downtown Campus as a destination for producing highly skilled professionals in data science and analytics, advancing economic development in the urban core and creating prosperity for San Antonio.
UTSA is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cyber, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. UTSA aspires to become a model for student success, a great public research university, and an exemplar for strategic growth and innovative excellence.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Huddle Against Hunger is a fundraising competition with Texas State that benefits our Roadrunner Pantry. Donations this week will help UTSA earn additional prize monies provided by RBFCU.
In-Person and VirtualJoin UTSA Libraries for an update on federal public access policies and how the library can assist with compliance.
Virtual EventWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaThere are many citation managers. Which one is right for you? This workshop will explain what a citation manager is and how it can help you organize your citations, insert citations as you write your paper, and generate your bibliography.
Virtual EventPubMed is an essential database for anyone conducting biomedical or health-related research. This workshop will teach attendees how to effectively navigate this free resource and locate peer-reviewed articles using advanced search features, MeSH subject headings, and Boolean operators.
Virtual EventIn this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to setup an EndNote library, save references and PDFs, and automatically create and edit a bibliography. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to have EndNote already installed on a personal computer.
Virtual EventJoin UTSA Libraries and Museums to learn more about the publishing discounts available for UTSA researchers. Current agreements include Elsevier, Cambridge University Press, Wiley, and more. Bring your questions and feedback for the library as we continue to pursue partnerships with publishers to reduce costs for our researchers.
Virtual EventThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
