UC Merced is taking significant steps to make data science studies more accessible and inclusive. With the support of grants from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the California Learning Lab, the university is collaborating with various institutions to diversify the field and provide opportunities for historically underserved students. In this article, we will explore the initiatives undertaken by UC Merced and their impact on creating a more inclusive data science community.
Creating an Inclusive Computing and Social Science Course
Learn about the partnership between UC Merced, UC Berkeley, and Tuskegee University to develop an introductory interdisciplinary computing and social science course.
Traditional coding experience can be a barrier for many college students, especially those who lack coding training in high school. To address this, UC Merced, in collaboration with UC Berkeley and Tuskegee University, is developing an introductory computing and social science course that does not require coding experience.
The course aims to diversify the field of data science by attracting students from diverse backgrounds. It will highlight how computing can be used to address societal issues, bringing different perspectives to the development and problem-solving processes in technology.
The team of professors from UC Merced, including Suzanne Sindi, Heather Bortfeld, Roummel Marcia, Juan Meza, Erica Rutter, and Rosemarie Bongers, are working together to develop and pilot teaching modules for the course. In the second year, the effectiveness of the modules will be assessed, and a full class will be created along with related materials, including a free online textbook.
In the third year, the course will be jointly taught by the three institutions, allowing students from UC Merced, UC Berkeley, and Tuskegee University to learn together and benefit from a diverse learning environment.
Building Curriculum Pathways for Transitioning Students
Discover how UC Merced, UC Berkeley, and community colleges are collaborating to create curriculum pathways for students transitioning from two-year to four-year colleges.
Transitioning from a two-year college to a four-year college can be challenging for students, especially when it comes to aligning their coursework. UC Merced, in partnership with UC Berkeley, Berkeley City College, City College of San Francisco, and Laney City College, is working to build curriculum pathways that provide a seamless transition for students.
The curriculum will focus on core computing, statistics, and quantitative social science concepts, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have the necessary training to integrate data science into their academic and social identities.
The collaboration aims to create scalable curriculum pathways that can be implemented across the state, providing equal opportunities for all students. By bridging the gap between two-year and four-year colleges, this initiative aims to increase access to data science education and support students in their academic journey.
Expanding Internship Opportunities in Genome Research
Learn about the expansion of the internship program at UC Merced, in collaboration with the Joint Genome Institute (JGI), to provide hands-on experience in genome research and computational tools.
UC Merced, in collaboration with the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and the Department of Energy (DOE), is expanding its internship program for graduate students. The program matches students with projects and mentor scientists at JGI, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in genome research and computational tools.
The internship program aims to support research by historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields and diversify leadership in the physical sciences. It has been instrumental in providing students like Yumary Vasquez with the skills and opportunities needed to pursue a career in genome research.
Yumary Vasquez, a graduate student who participated in the JGI internship program, gained valuable skills in data gathering and analysis. These skills have been vital to her current position as a postdoctoral researcher at JGI, where she continues to contribute to important genome research projects.
Through the DOE's Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) program, the UC Merced-JGI training program will be expanded further. The program will include a year-long research and training program, engagement of program alumni for workforce building and mentoring, strengthening research collaboration between UC Merced and JGI, and data-driven assessments to continuously improve the program.
