“Our goal is to continue the multi-disciplinary curation of expertise in data science and data science applications across the college and university,” Rios said. “Specifically, our overarching themes of enhancing data science-related research, education and outreach will stay the same.”
The center is expected to facilitate research and education across disciplines, departments and colleges by providing shared infrastructure, leadership and support for grant development and faculty collaboration.
This goal aligns with the three roles Rios envisions the center playing in the new college, including engaging in cutting-edge multidisciplinary data science research, consulting on data science needs within UTSA and beyond, and providing top-notch experiential learning opportunities for UTSA students.
Examples of existing projects that further these goals include:
The center will continue to support student-led programming such as its hackathon and datathon events, and foster outreach between local schools and community colleges. Rios also plans to prioritize data science and statistical consultations within UT San Antonio and the community, such as the current SDS/UTSA Athletics partnership.
In support of these initiatives, the center’s leadership is exploring ways to expand its capacity for data management and computing, including long-term goals like establishing a dedicated consulting arm to support internal and external partners.
“The scale for the center will be much smaller than the SDS originally,” he said. “However, the identity and brand of the SDS is something we want to continue; we just need to be very targeted in how we do it to ensure sustainability.”