Data Science Pedagogy at Marquette: Student Perspectives on Best Practices

As part of our NMDSI Speaker Series, the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) will host “Data Science Pedagogy at Marquette University: Student Perspectives on Best Practices" on Friday, Dec. 16, from noon to 12:30 p.m. CT.

Learn about Marquette University's Data Science Certificate and Master of Data Science curricula. The session will be moderated by Dr. Michael Zimmer, associate professor and vice chair in the Department of Computer Science at Marquette. Dr. Zimmer is also director of graduate studies for the Data Science Certificate Program; director of Marquette’s Center for Data, Ethics, and Society; an NMDSI affiliated faculty member; and an affiliated fellow at the Information Society Project at Yale Law School.

The event will start with an overview of the two data science programs – including program goals, target populations, courses and timelines. Following, there will be a panel discussion with five current and former data science students who will share their perspectives on data science education best practices. Students showcase their own work created both in and out of the classroom. Students will conclude by discussing what additional resources and experiences would enhance their learning of data science. 

Hear from the following speakers:

• Dr. Walt Bialkowski

Dr. Bialkowski is an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Computer Science. He is trained as a clinical epidemiologist with expertise in clinical study design and integration of non-interoperable medical records. As an educator, Dr. Bialkowski is empowering students to apply data science techniques to treat food insecurity and end hunger. 

• Eduardo Carrasco

Eduardo is an undergraduate student studying computer science and data science. He is currently a senior in the program, focusing on learning techniques to better leverage data. Upon graduation, Eduardo hopes to use his data science training to empower businesses and people to support their decision making with data driven solutions. 

• Jacob Cartwright

Jacob will graduate in December with a master’s in sport and exercise data analytics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biomedical physiology from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. Jacob has over a decade of Olympic Weightlifting coaching experience. He plans to use his newly expanded skillset to improve patient wellbeing by advancing remote health care via the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). 

• Katherine Martin

Katherine is pursuing a master’s in criminal justice data analytics. She expects to graduate in spring 2024. Katherine held internships with the Milwaukee Police Department Sensitive Crimes Division, shadowing their in-unit crime analyst. Following graduation, Katherine intends to return to the Milwaukee Police Department to work as an analyst for a Human Trafficking Task Force.  

• Matt Rucinski

Matt is pursuing a master’s in sport and exercise analytics. He’s a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has experience in high-performance settings, like working with members of the 2021 National Champion Women’s Volleyball Team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduating from Marquette, Matt intends to use his new knowledge to maximize human performance and drive decision making in sport strategy. 

• Alyssa Scott

An employee and student at Marquette, Alyssa is pursuing her master’s in data science, specializing in machine learning. She is expected to graduate in spring 2024. Alyssa has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 15 years currently serves as director of prospect management for in the University Advancement office. In this role, she’s able to apply data science techniques to help her department increase funding for key initiatives. 

Please note that this is a virtual event.