April 17, 2025
AI researchers, analytics industry leaders, and students across Pittsburgh came together on March 27, Pitt’s second annual Data Science Day, to share the latest innovations in their fields. Through a series of keynote speakers, interactive activities, and poster sessions, attendees were able to both learn from others and share their own research in many unique ways.
The event was co-sponsored by the School of Computing and Information (SCI) and the Responsible Data Science (RDS@Pitt) team, which uses a social justice lens to ensure innovation in technology is fair and ethical for the communities who it effects. Additional sponsorship was provided by the School of Business.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the poster session, where attendees could explore new findings in data research at their own pace. Each poster was presented by its creator, offering an opportunity for attendees to dive deeper into specific topics and spark future collaborations.
Devon Smith and Abby Zimmerman – both SCI undergraduate students and members of the Responsible Data Science Scholar’s Program – used their poster to address a current issue: many Pitt students and parents are unaware of how their data is being collected, used, and shared.
“Presenting at Data Science Day has been a fascinating opportunity. We've had the chance to mingle with other students and learn about research we might not otherwise get to see,” said Zimmerman.
Another highlight of the poster sessions was a collaboration with the DataJam, a program focused on empowering youth in data science education. So, students from high schools around Pittsburgh were able to present their ideas alongside undergraduate and graduate students.
“This is a great opportunity for the high school students to get involved in data science, start to develop technical skills, and get the love for the field by being inspired by the older presenters,” said Andrew Lindros (A&S ’27), a mentor for the presenters from Central Dauphin High School.
Attendees also had opportunities to participate first-hand in the event through Solution Sprints, an interactive forum where students shared their ideas with industry leaders in quick, structured discussions. In another session, students collaborated in breakout groups to solve real-world issues proposed by moderators, where their solutions were turned into actionable next steps. This provided an opportunity for students to practice thinking innovatively, quick problem solving, and working in a team.
The conference also featured two thought-provoking keynote addresses from professionals in the field. Joseph T. Yun, Pitt’s Director of Artificial Intelligence Enablement and research professor in the Swanson School of Engineering, opened the day by discussing the ways that AI agents could reshape the landscape of higher education.
In the afternoon, Andy Hannah, a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Analytics in the College of Business Administration, explored the risks of blending internal and external data sources while also giving entrepreneurial insights about the quickly developing field of data science.
Through each session in the Data Science Day conference, students actively contributed to current data science innovations, explored cutting-edge developments in the field, and built real-world, transferable skills that will support their professional growth.
“Data is already shaping our future in profound ways, and this event provided a meaningful opportunity for students, staff, faculty, and community partners to connect around how data and AI are being used to drive change,” said Kendra Oliver, Managing Director of Data Science at the Office of the Provost.
Learn more about Data Science Day 2025.