Connection, Access, and Community
We are using the tools of statistics and data science, along with the strengths of our community, to shape a better world.
We aim to create a transformative impact in the lives of our community members and in the world around us by fostering a collaborative environment where individuals from all backgrounds are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. In the Department of Statistics & Data Science, we believe that bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives leads to stronger ideas, more impactful research, and richer educational experiences. We are committed to building an academic home where everyone in our department can grow and contribute fully.
Through our programs and partnerships we create opportunities for individuals to learn not just from one another, but also from our local, national, and global communities. We challenge ourselves to think beyond our own experiences, and to remain grounded in respect for others. Carnegie Mellon Stat & DS is committed to using the tools of our field and the strengths of our community to shape a more thoughtful and engaged world.
Connection
We create opportunities for our Stat & DS community to learn from one another and to bridge connections with the world beyond our campus. Through collaboration and shared inquiry with local, national, and global communities, we strengthen relationships that fuel personal growth and academic discovery.
Access
We are committed to creating pathways for individuals from all backgrounds to engage, contribute, and succeed. Through thoughtful programs, support structures, and intentional opportunities, we ensure that everyone has the tools they need to thrive in Stat & DS at CMU.
Community
Our department fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to grow and contribute. We believe in the power of shared knowledge, mutual respect, and collective success, creating a space where individuals support one another in their academic and professional journeys.
Student Support & Scholarships
Carnegie Mellon, Dietrich, and Stat & DS help make education more accessible through various scholarships and financial support:
- Dietrich Scholars Fellowship – This provides a pathway to success through financial support, opportunities to expand networks and professional development for exemplary graduate students.
- MADS Fellowships – This fellowship provides funding for exceptional incoming students in the Master’s of Applied Data Science program, including support through the Sports Analytics Center and a new initiative in collaboration with AI-SDM.
- Tartan Scholars – Supporting high-achieving, high-need undergraduates with mentorship and community.
- Rales Fellows – Offering comprehensive funding and support for students committed to diversity in STEM.
Experiential Programs & Summer Research Opportunities
Stat & DS has several programs that give students meaningful learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom:
- Statistics & Data Science Camp for High-School Students – Our free one-week summer camp introduces high-school students to the world of statistics and data science, informs them about all the opportunities for careers in these fields, and tells them how to best prepare for such careers.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences – Stat & DS has two summer research programs for undergraduate students across the US to learn more about statistical applications in two different industries: sports analytics and healthcare technology.
- Bridge for Advanced Masters Program – BAM offers research-oriented students from underrepresented regions the opportunity to collaborate with CMU faculty on advanced projects, fostering skill development and academic exchange.
- Antai Peng Endowed Undergraduate Research Fund – This fund was established in 2020 to provide support for undergraduate research and creative inquiry, including, for example, competitive programs such as Small Undergraduate Research Grants (SURG) and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF).
- Laffont Experiential Learning Fund
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with a wide range of community-based organizations to expand statistics and data science learning opportunities:
Events & Regular Partnerships
We proudly host, sponsor, and participate in events that build academic and professional networks for students of all backgrounds:
- StatFest
- AUCC Research Symposium
- Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference
- Community-building programs led by our Stat Ambassadors