At University of San Diego, we believe in equipping our students with real-world experiences that not only supplement their academic journey but also prepare them for the challenges and rigors of their respective industries. It’s a testament to our commitment that we continuously seek out and provide such enriching opportunities for growth.
The Challenge and Its Implications
Beyond Theory: Real-World Application and Learning
Achievement and Acknowledgement
Event in the Spotlight
On August 25th, a diverse and talented group of students convened, in an event that was hosted virtually. Representing the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering’s Applied Artificial Intelligence and Applied Data Science programs, and also, the dedicated scholars from the M.S. in Health Care Informatics program, they were all there with a common purpose: to tackle a significant data science challenge. Orchestrating this grand event was Ready Tensor, Inc., a company rapidly establishing itself as a frontrunner in the domain of data science platforms.
The Challenge and Its Implications
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Dataset was central to this hackathon. This dataset, which meticulously records details of fatal car crashes across the U.S., presented insights into unfortunate incidents due to reasons like drunk-driving, speeding, and other impactful factors. Over a span of three intense days, students were tasked with building multi-classification models to determine the primary causative factors behind these tragic incidents.
This event wasn’t just about data crunching. It served as a poignant reminder of the real-world impact that data scientists can bring, to make the world better and more safe. The numbers and patterns extracted from this data have profound implications, emphasizing the severe repercussions of hazardous driving behaviors.
Beyond Theory: Real-World Application and Learning
The hackathon served as a microcosm of the challenges that data science professionals face daily. Students delved deep, from the initial stages of data preprocessing, right up to testing their models and preparing them for potential deployment. The experience was invaluable, offering participants:
- A hands-on understanding of large-scale data manipulation and modeling.
- A real-life perspective on the gravity of data and its societal impact.
Achievement and Acknowledgement
While the event was fundamentally educational, there was a competitive spirit in the air. Students vied for more than just knowledge; they were also competing for cash rewards, generously sponsored by Ready Tensor, Inc. At the event’s culmination, the laurels were claimed by:
- First place: Jeremiah Krick
- Second place: Paul Parks
- Third Place: Jonathan Agustin and Gary Takahashi
Our gratitude extends to Ready Tensor, Inc. for their pivotal role in this event. Their platform, with its advanced capabilities, made this comprehensive learning experience possible, affirming their position as a premium choice for organizing such ambitious events.
A Glimpse into the Future
This collaboration with Ready Tensor is just a snapshot of our unwavering commitment to our students. As we move forward, University of San Diego remains devoted to seeking more of such collaborations and opportunities, ensuring our students are always at the forefront of innovation and learning.
We invite and encourage our students to stay engaged, participate in future events, and leverage these opportunities to augment their academic journey with invaluable real-world experiences. The future is full of possibilities, and at University of San Diego, we aim to provide the platform to grasp them.
