REU Site: DIAMONDS: Directed and Mentored Opportunities in Data Science

Tufts University, Medford MA

Investigators

Abstract

The DIAMONDS: Directed and Mentored Opportunities in Data Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates site has a special focus on recruiting and welcoming students who are under-represented in data science and other STEM fields, as well as those who have little access to research opportunities in data science at their home institutions. It will provide early exposure and a swift ramp-up to performing research in a rapidly expanding, high priority area, where having the machine learning and data science toolbox will enable students to participate in the data revolution. The program is designed to support student success and build confidence. Therefore, it will emphasize the interdisciplinary aspects of data science, enabling students to develop skills in data analysis, analytical thinking, and problem solving, as well as technical presentation development and delivery. The goal is to strengthen and diversify the pipeline for graduate and professional data scientists through providing supportive community experience to a diverse set of talented students. To support this goal, a deep network of recruiting collaborations has been developed, including regional partners in the Northeast Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. As DIAMONDS Scholars progress through the program, they will gain (1) the ability to critically analyze data and synthesize information; (2) awareness of tools for data analysis; (3) the ability to critique and generate material for scientific communication; and (4) awareness of guidelines for ethical conduct in research. Interest and commitment to advanced study and careers in science and engineering is cultivated by engaging undergraduate students directly in research as it is currently done at the university level. With carefully chosen projects and highly experienced faculty mentors, undergraduate students can participate in research experiences that match the pacing and scope of how graduate students conduct research. The REU Site mechanism will allow for augmentation of the research mentoring provided to REU scholars by their individual faculty mentors with a comprehensive program of exposure to other student and mentor research, a two-week data science module to build on scholars' existing knowledge and skills, social mentoring, cultural considerations, and career development infrastructure. To encourage persistence in data science, the DIAMONDS REU will provide scholars with a true taste of what it is like to continue in research in graduate school or beyond. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.