Our world is increasingly being driven by data science 鈥� the art of using data to illuminate patterns and trends using tools such as artificial intelligence, large language models, machine learning, data visualization, and analytics. To train students to enter this growing field, Gallaudet started a Data Science minor in 2021, and this year, it launched a Bachelor of Science in Data Science.

The interdisciplinary Data Science program combines mathematics, information technology, statistics, business, computer science, and communications, allowing students to find strengths and build on them to jumpstart their careers. The variety of possibilities were highlighted in a panel on April 23 featuring four successful deaf professionals in the data science field.

鈥淓xploring Different Pathways into Data Science,鈥� moderated by professors Dr. Regina Nuzzo and Dr. Mohammad Obiedat, gave undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to ask these panelists about their careers and advice for the future.

When discussing the impact of their work, the panelists noted that the goal of data analysis is to improve systems and workflows, which benefits everybody. Brienna Herold, 鈥�14, a Data Engineer for The New York Times, noted that 鈥淲hen data flows well, journalism gets better.鈥�

A student in the audience asked the panelists how AI would influence the future of the data science field. There was consensus that the need for analysts would continue even as AI tools become more powerful. Adam Stone, PhD ’17, Director of Analytics Engineering at Brooklyn Data, noted that while AI can collect and analyze data, it can鈥檛 make a qualitative decision about whether the analysis is right or wrong.

鈥淒ata AI is powerful and growing,鈥� said Herold, 鈥淚t might make our jobs easier, but it won鈥檛 replace people anytime soon.”

The panelists also gave some invaluable career advice to the students. Emily Kubicek, PhD 鈥�20, a Data Strategy Manager for Disney+, emphasized the usefulness of internships in the data science field. Stone agreed, and encouraged the audience to take advantage of the many resources available online for self-guided learning.

Nabeel Keblawi, a Meteorological Engineer for Commodity Weather Group, answered the question of why deaf people should become data scientists. He uplifted the natural ability of deaf and hard of hearing workers to process large amounts of information at once, and filter out unimportant details, just like they do when communicating every day.

Students in the Data Science program have rare access to Gallaudet鈥檚 experts in the field. Plus, they can take advantage of the University鈥檚 partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which allows them to get real-world experience through hands-on projects, such as developing detailed maps using geographic information system (GIS) technology. Practicing these skills enhances their career prospects.

Gallaudet鈥檚 Data Science program comes at the perfect time for deaf and hard of hearing job seekers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the between 2023 and 2033.

鈥淒ata will always be there,鈥� Keblawi said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l always need people to analyze that data. We鈥檙e just scratching the surface now.鈥�

Gallaudet offers B.S. and Minor degree tracks for Data Science. Visit the Data Science webpage to learn more.