This project will be a collaborative effort with UMBC as the coordinating as well as implementing organization and the University of Baltimore (UB), Towson University, and Bowie State University as implementing organizations. BNIA-JFI will be a part of a team of experts with multidisciplinary academic expertise and complementary training experiences in parallel computing, data science, big data, cybersecurity, virtual reality, geospatial data analysis, and urban and regional planning. BNIA-JFI will support integration of real-world data science projects by 1) recruiting and introducing data science tools and techniques to undergraduate students at UB; 2) accelerating the adoption of advanced data science techniques, such as geospatial analysis for projects in urban communities through community-based real-world projects.
This project has been supported by NSF grant IIS-1923982.
If you are interested in getting conceptual and hands-on experience in data science and get paid for it, consider applying for the following opportunity. The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (BNIA) at the University of Baltimore is seeking Undergraduate students to be a part of a Baltimore regional Data Science Corps. Students will be trained on data processing best practices for analysis, geographic information systems, effective and ethical data visualization techniques for applications that help communities in Baltimore understand the current impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. The students will work with BNIA staff and faculty mentors and will be involved in real-world projects.
This position will run for three months in the fall of 2020. Students will be introduced to several data science learning opportunities with BNIA staff and other online training in order to work on the projects outlined above. Learning modules and team meetings will be approximately 3-5 hours per week. Time spent on projects will be approximately 8 hours per week.
Student interns eligible for stipend, see job description document below for details.
1) Analyze databases regarding internet speeds by neighborhood
2) Create a web scraper to collect routinely updated data on websites that don’t have an open data API
3) Review real time service of new bus schedules and see if different neighborhoods are
experiencing service disruptions
4) Analyze city budgets for youth related spending and programs
Brian Kelly – An Analysis of Baltimore City E-Scooter Distribution
Michael Vandi and Naomi Weiss – GIS with the BNIA Data Science Corp
Ruth Robinson and Priya Kanneboyina – Is Baltimore City Getting Fast Enough Internet Speeds?
Data Science Corps Ignite Session Recording – Session Resource Guide
NSF Student Data Science Corps Description
Michael Vandi
Degree: Applied Information Technology
Graduation Date: Fall 2020
“I’ve always been amazed by the extent to which we can use data to identify trends, get insights and answer almost any question in the world. This internship will give me the opportunity to work on real-life projects and answer real questions beyond traditional classroom work. I’m also excited at the possibility of learning about GIS and how geospatial analysis can be used to bring deeper insights into making smarter decisions in urban commuting for Baltimore city.”
Ruth Robinson
Degree: Business Administration – Real Estate and Economic Development Concentration
Graduation Date: Spring 2022
“I am very excited to be part of this cohort because I get to combine my love for mathematics, my curiosity for data science, and my desire to positively impact my community; It just seems like a perfect fit! I’m most interested learning more about data analytics and how it is practically applied to real-world issues. This is a very momentous time in Baltimore’s (and America’s) history, and working on our team is my way of contributing to the moment.”
Brian Kelly
Degree: Upper-Division Certificate in Computer Programming
Graduation Date: Fall 2020
“I am very excited to analyze data, so I can identify emerging trends in local neighborhoods. Working with BNIA will give me the opportunity to help my community during trying times and gain valuable life skills. I’m looking forward to using SPSS to learn from complex data sets and use the information to make informed decisions. There is substantial value in using data to make the best decisions as we venture into unfamiliar territory.”
Priya Kanneboyina
Degree: Applied Mathematics (Public Affairs Minor)
Graduation Date: June 2023
“I’m interested in working for the cohort because I truly believe that analyzing data in our local communities can help make social and policy change that actually helps.”
Surafel Beyene
Degree: Applied Information Technology – Application Development & Programming
Graduation Date: Fall 2020
“Ever since I was in Cathedral high school back in my hometown Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; I’ve always been interested in the computer science field. I’m excited that this opportunity is going to provide me a real world experience and knowledge on data science, while bringing technologically advanced solutions to some issues in Baltimore City.”
Asia Hester
Degree: Applied Information Technology
Graduation Date: Spring 2021
“I’m thankful that I have been chosen to be a part of this cohort. This fellowship will give me some real world experience in the technology field. I’m excited to learn more about geographical information systems and data visualization techniques. It also feels great to know that I will be a part of improving the communities of Baltimore.”