ASA Five College DataFest

DataFest is a nationally-coordinated undergraduate competition in which teams of up to 5 students work over a weekend to extract insight from a rich and complex data set. Previous years’ data sets have included crime data from the LAPD, dating data from eHarmony, and energy use data from GridPoint. This year’s data set will be revealed at the opening of the event on Friday evening. At the conclusion of the competition, each team will have 5 minutes to make a presentation to a panel of judges. Each panel of judges will select a team for the “Best in Group” prize, and the entire group of judges will determine a “Best in Show” prize. Other additional prizes may be awarded.

The mission of DataFest is to expose undergraduate students to challenging questions with immediate real-world significance that can be addressed through data analysis. By working in teams, students with varying skill sets will combine their efforts and expand their collective data analysis horizons. Interaction among students, as well as with outside consultants will promote the sense that data analysis is a dynamic, engaging, and vibrant part of our society, as well as a realistic, practical, and fun career path.

Please contact Ben Baumer if you are interested in being a VIP Consultant for this year's DataFest!