The University of Scranton Hosts Data Science Competition

High School Students Participate in Data Science Competition

High School students from Carbondale Area, Mid Valley, Scranton Prep and Valley View participated in The University of Scranton’s inaugural Data Science Day Competition. Supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to University mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., the interactive competition included a tutorial introduction to data science and the computer software that would be used during the competition. The day also included a luncheon keynote address by Melinda Kleczynski, Ph.D., a post-doctoral scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and remarks from Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences.

University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition.

The high school students competed in an individual and a doubles division.

In the individual division, Scranton Prep seniors Ethan Fenner (1st place), Vincent You (2nd place), and Ryan Flaim (3rd place) were recognized. Pictured from left are Ryan Flaim, Vincent You, Ethan Fenner, and Dr. Klobusicky.

In the doubles division, sophomores from Mid Valley Secondary Center Giada Vagni, Olyphant, and Zackary Buza, Throop, came in first place. Seniors from Scranton Prep Logan Dixon, Factoryville, and Sam DeNaples, Moscow, placed second.

Data Science is a growing, much-in-demand field. A knowledge of probability and statistics is crucial, as they are considered the “mathematical back bone” of data analysis, according to Dr. Klobusicky.

For graduates of Scranton’s class of 2023, those majoring in data analysis had one of the highest salaries reported ($70,800) in its post-graduate survey.

Additional information about undergraduate programs in mathematics at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.