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The Honor the Future campaign, the largest in University history, concluded in 2025, thanks to thousands of loyal supporters. Its impact on students, faculty, facilities, and research reaches across Charlottesville, Wise County, and Northern Virginia as it continues to advance the school in its third century of service to the commonwealth, nation, and world.
The School of Data Science leverages the power of data to drive innovation and positive change. By fostering collaboration among students, researchers, and industry partners, we harness cutting-edge resources and interdisciplinary expertise to shape the next generation of data science leaders.
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The School of Data Science’s vision and mission have been fueled by the generosity of donors who have provided the school the resources to define data science at the University of Virginia, and how it can elevate opportunities for cutting-edge data science research and education. Aiming to be a school “without walls” committed to innovation and collaboration, its programs, spaces, and projects reflect that philosophy.
The Quantitative Foundation’s transformative gift for the school provided a platform for fast-tracking the development of academic programs and supporting the hiring and support of a world class faculty, in addition to providing a physical home for the hub of data science activity at UVA.
Students enter the School of Data Science’s doors with high expectations and leave with brighter futures. With investments from donors such as the Stephenson Scholars Program, students will be able to attend the school debt-free and with unparalleled opportunities for real-world application of their skills.
With ongoing support of Capital One and the Baugh Family, translational research has reached new levels for societal impact. And with donations like those from the Wood Family and others, expanding opportunities for all students and the community to participate in the conversation about data science and its impact on the future begins to broaden the opportunities and conversation.
A Champion for Data-Driven Environmental Solutions
Devon Hathaway’s journey to tackle climate change
Devon Hathaway (Data Science ’25)
A native of Raleigh, NC, Devon Hathaway graduated from the College of Charleston in 2017 with a double major in biology and anthropology. With a professional background in environmental nonprofits, Hathaway is passionate about addressing the climate crisis through data-driven policy solutions. Recognizing that meaningful change begins with informed decision-making, Devon pursued the one-year residential M.S. in Data Science at UVA, drawn by the program’s impressive job placement statistics and financial aid opportunities.Living in Charlottesville for four years prior to joining the program, Hathaway learned about the program through a friend. She appreciates data science’s versatility across industries and aims to apply her skills in sustainability, helping companies reduce their environmental impact. Her favorite course, Data Engineering with Jon Kropko, has been instrumental in honing her expertise in cleaning and preparing data for analysis—a critical step toward tackling global challenges like climate change.
Pursuing Data Science Excellence at UVA
From Undergraduate Studies to an M.S. in Data Science, Bereket’s Journey in Harnessing the Versatility of Data
Bereket Tafesse (Data Science ’25)
Bereket Tafesse graduated from UVA in 2024 with a double major in computer science and applied statistics. Always passionate about data science, Tafesse initially chose her undergraduate majors as the closest available option. She joined the M.S. in Data Science program to enhance her skills, gain hands-on experience through capstone projects, and prepare for the job market with the program’s robust resources.
Having spent her undergraduate years at UVA, Tafesse was impressed by the School of Data Science’s supportive community and strong reputation. She values the versatility of data science and is excited to explore its applications across various fields. Her favorite class, Practice and Application of Data Science, provides practical experience with real-world data, while her favorite professor, Prince Afriyie, stands out for his engaging teaching and dedication to student success.
Pioneering AI Applications in Ecology and Education
Harnessing the Power of AI for Brook Trout Conservation and Transforming K-12 Test Development
Sheng Li, Quantitative Foundation Associate Professor of Data Science
Sheng Li, a leading researcher in artificial intelligence, is spearheading two innovative projects that demonstrate the transformative potential of AI in ecological and educational domains. In collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Li is developing “fish-ial” recognition technology to identify individual brook trout. This $30,000 project focuses on creating a comprehensive database of trout images from fisheries in West Virginia and Massachusetts. By using AI tools to monitor trout health and habitat changes, the research aims to protect brook trout and their natural environments, contributing to conservation efforts and sustainable ecosystem management.
In a separate initiative, Li is exploring the application of generative AI in K-12 education. With a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program, his team is investigating whether AI can automate the creation and evaluation of high-quality test items. This project has significant potential to revolutionize educational assessment by reducing the time and cost associated with test development. The resulting tools could benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including K-12 testing companies, language testing agencies, and online education platforms, making high-quality education more accessible and scalable.
Shaping the Future of Data Science Education at UVA
Pioneering Interdisciplinary Programs, Fostering Inclusive Learning, and Advancing Data Science for Social Good
Brian Wright, Quantitative Foundation Associate Professor of Data Science
Brian Wright is a driving force behind the University of Virginia’s efforts to expand data science education, serving as Director of Undergraduate Programs and Director of Collaboratory for the Advancement of Data Science and Education. With a passion for preparing the next generation of data scientists, Wright has led the development of the Data Science Minor, now the largest minor at UVA with more than 800 students, as well as the new Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS) which was launched in Fall 2024.
Under Wright’s leadership, the BSDS curriculum was designed to be interdisciplinary, integrating core data science concepts like machine learning, data visualization, and statistical modeling with applications across fields such as healthcare, environmental science, and public policy. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations, ensuring graduates are prepared to navigate the societal impacts of data-driven decision-making. Wright has collaborated closely with faculty from across UVA to create a program that balances technical rigor with flexibility, allowing students to pursue diverse interests.
Beyond curriculum development, Wright is an active researcher whose work focuses on advancing data science pedagogy and exploring applications of data science in social good. A dedicated mentor, he is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that inspires students to use data science as a tool for innovation and positive impact.
Lane Rasberry Aims to Change the World One Wikipedia Entry at a Time
In May the School of Data Science celebrated the opening of its new home. The building consolidates the school,...
A generous Bicentennial Scholarship gift from Scott and Beth Stephenson will support undergraduate Bachelor of Science majors in the...
