Data Science

Data Science in the Aerospace College focuses on preparing students to turn real-world data into real-world decisions using practical, workforce-ready skills. This area emphasizes hands-on work with raw datasets, including observational instrument data and model/forecast outputs. Students learn the full data workflow: data collection and quality control, cleaning and organization, analysis and visualization, documentation for reproducibility, and clear communication of evidence-based conclusions. The goal is to build confidence and job-ready capability for roles such as data analyst, operations analyst, and data technician, while creating direct pathways to paid research and internships.

UND Faculty Researchers: Mounir Chrit, David Delene, Marwa Majdi, Shawn Wagner, Daile Zhang

Building Capacity for High-Quality Short-Term Programs: Undergraduate Experiential Learning and Data Skills Pathway (DOE FIPSE–SP)

The Data Skills Pathway is a structured, short-term training program that helps undergraduate students build practical, job-ready skills in data analysis, visualization, programming, and communication. Anchored in Atmospheric Sciences but open to students across UND, the pathway bridges the gap between classroom data exercises and real-world data work. Students follow a clear sequence that includes career orientation to data-intensive roles, a programming/tools workshop, guided work with authentic instrument and model datasets, and a focused mini-project that ends with short written and oral presentations.

A defining feature is that students work with real, imperfect datasets and learn to recognize gaps/outliers, manage uncertainty, document data sources and decisions, and communicate results clearly so their work can be trusted and repeated. The pathway also supports direct progression to paid research positions (about six hours per week), expanded roles, and summer internships, with connections to additional work-based learning opportunities with employers, national labs, and partner organizations.

Contacts: David Delene, Marwa Majdi