UNC School of Data and Information Sciences

What brings a Carolina alumnus to the virtual classroom to teach current students?

For Derek Chiang, it’s the chance to share what he’s learned from a career in data science and cancer medicine — and to bring an employer’s perspective to the School.

In our latest Q&A, Derek reflects on his own journey and what excites him about helping prepare the next generation of data science leaders.

Read the entire conversation: https://go.unc.edu/5QuestionsDerekChiang
Apply to the online Master of Applied Data Science by July 7: go.unc.edu/MADS

Your friends at the School of Data and Information Sciences and are cheering you on, Diamond Heels! Best of luck in Omaha and beat WVU! ⚾️🐏💙

If you're earning the Master of Applied Data Science, your final course isn't just another assignment. It's a capstone project built around a real client's challenge and real-world data.

This year, four MADS students partnered with 's Energy Management team to develop forecasting models and build a dashboard to help inform decisions around electricity, water and steam usage.

It's the kind of work that turns technical skills into professional impact. Learn more about their capstone project: https://go.unc.edu/MADSCapstoneEnergyManagement

Ready to apply your expertise to challenges that matter? Learn more about the online Master of Applied Data Science: go.unc.edu/MADS

Take the next step in your data science career.

Discover how our online Master of Applied Data Science can help you strengthen your skills, expand your opportunities and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field.

Join our info session:
🗓️ Wednesday, June 10
🕖 7 p.m.
Reserve your spot: https://go.unc.edu/MADSInfoSession

What will the future of data and information sciences mean for Carolina—and how can we build it thoughtfully while capitalizing on the strengths that have long defined our University?

Join former UNC School of Information and Library Science dean Gary Marchinoni and SDSS dean Stan Ahalt for a live conversation exploring the new school taking shape at Carolina. They'll discuss how the School of Data and Information Sciences will prepare students for tomorrow's workforce, bring together distinct academic traditions and ensure the University remains a trusted leader in education and research for years to come.

📅 Monday, June 8
🕐 1 p.m.
💻 Online
🎟️ Free and open to the public (registration required: https://go.unc.edu/Qi5y3)

Community Classroom Online is a virtual extension of the Community Classroom Series, sponsored jointly by The Friday Conference Center and UNC-Chapel Hill Retired Faculty and Professionals Association (RFPA).

Congratulations to Carolina students Vibhu Gomatam, Sara Gulabani, Michael Jenkins, Anaya Jethanandani, Asmita Nayak and Barrett White, winners of the Policy Brief Competition for their project: “Seeing What’s Invisible: Operationalizing Satellite Data and AI for ASEAN Food Security and Blue Economy Governance.”

This competition, hosted by UNC Global Affairs, gives students an opportunity to develop solutions to a real-world challenge in the form of a policy brief and submit it for review by a panel of global affairs professionals.

SDSS faculty member Neil Gaikwad, who has advised and mentored these students, explains: “My students have very different ways of thinking about AI and social good. They are trained technically. They can speak the language of AI scientists, but they can also speak the language of policy makers. The diplomats benefit because whatever recommendations the students make are science-backed.”

Congratulations, again, to these students! Read more about how these students are shaping U.S. foreign policy at the Carolina Stories website: https://go.unc.edu/TarHeelsShapeForeignPolicy

Story: Logan Ward, Carolina Giving
Photos: HuthPhoto, courtesy of UNC Global Affairs

More scenes from a special day 🤩🩵

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the individuals, including Carolina alumni, who gave their lives in military service to our country.

We pause in gratitude and remembrance for those whose sacrifice will not be forgotten.