Sinclair Community College Students Showcase Computer Science Skills at ASA DataFest 2023

Sinclair Community College students showed off their computer science skills during the College’s first American Statistical Association (ASA) DataFest on March 24-25, 2023, at the Centerville campus. 20 Sinclair Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Information Technology (IT) students divided into teams to analyze and find meaning in large and complex datasets. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Amanda Bullock, Deputy Chief Data Officer with the Air Force Research Laboratory. 

“As a student who is new to computer science, Sinclair ASA DataFest 2023 was a fantastic opportunity to work with my fellow students, gain new skills, and learn about career opportunities from mentors in the IT community,” said Rahwa Mehari, Sinclair Community College computer science student.

“I can’t say enough good things about Sinclair ASA DataFest 2023. It was a great opportunity to use my skills and knowledge to work through a data set and present it in a way that is easily understood,” added Spencer McNally, Sinclair Community College computer science student.

Sinclair ASA DataFest 2023 is one of several initiatives made possible by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to prepare students for in-demand careers in data analytics.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data analyst-related jobs will see a 22% to 25% growth through the year 2030 with annual salaries ranging between $70,000 to $120,000.

“Sinclair Community College provides exceptional CIS and IT education, and it was incredibly exciting to see the students apply those skills while working in teams to analyze complex data sets,” said Paul Hansford, Associate Professor – Sinclair College Computer Science and Information Technology Department. 

During Sinclair ASA DataFest 2023, students received guidance from faculty and industry professionals. Student teams competed in several categories including Best in Show, Best Visualization, and Best Use of External Data. Winners will be announced at the Sinclair ASA DataFest 2023 awards ceremony on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Sinclair’s Centerville Campus.

Over the next few months, more than 50 colleges and universities will hold ASA DataFest Competitions. Sinclair has joined this elite group to provide an exciting and competitive event to allow students to showcase their data skills.

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Photo caption:

Jeff Sommer, Sinclair College Associate Professor – Computer Science and Information Technology provides guidance to Sinclair students (L to R) Birhane Mehari, Chris Routson, and Gentil B. Niyomushobozi.