YSU Data Science Club explores cutting-edge AI at Austin Conference
Eight members of Youngstown State University’s Data Science Club recently embarked on a trip to Austin, Texas, to attend the Data Science Salon conference as a recent professional development initiative. The trip, funded by the J. Douglas Faires Memorial Endowment, formally supported and signed off by Tom Wakefield, chair professor, was organized by Jeffrey Coldren, chair and professor of Psychological Sciences & Counseling with instrumental support by Jay Kerns, professor of Mathematics & statistics. It provided an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the evolving world of artificial intelligence and data science.
The group included Coldren and Kerns, club advisors; Faiza Jalees, club president; Fatima Wasim, vice president; Mitchell Bogan, secretary; and student members Shrijan Aryal, Anna Colgrove and Diana Drobnjak. As their first official club outing, the conference was more than just a learning experience—it was a glimpse into the real-world applications of data science across industries.
The Data Science Club at YSU was initiated in Spring 2024 with the goal of making data science accessible to students from all disciplines. “It’s Data Science for all,” emphasized Kerns. “We want students from every major to feel welcome because data science is impacting every industry.”
The club meets weekly, utilizing platforms like DataCamp and LinkedIn Learning to help students gain certifications in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and R. “We want to create an environment where students from different backgrounds—math, computer science, psychology, business, even art—can explore data science together,” Jalees shared.
In addition to their regular meetings, the club has hosted guest speakers, including faculty member, Amanda Goodrick from Slippery Rock University and Dana Sperry from YSU’s Department of Art, who showcased how data science is used in artistic applications.
Attending the Data Science Salon was a unique experience for the students. Unlike traditional academic conferences, which focus on research publications, this event centered on real-world AI applications, business strategies and startup innovation. The first day featured industry leaders from companies like CVS and John Snow Labs discussing how they integrate AI and data science into their operations.
“As a student, it was a bit intimidating at first,” Jalees admitted. “These were professionals with decades of experience, discussing cutting-edge AI solutions. But as we listened, we started connecting the dots—how AI is being used in healthcare, marketing, and education.”
The second day was particularly exciting, structured like a "Shark Tank" competition, where startups pitched their AI-driven business ideas to venture capitalists. “It was fascinating to see how startups build upon existing technologies, identify gaps in the market and secure funding,” Wasim noted. “It really opened our eyes to the entrepreneurial side of data science.”