DSI Welcomes 48 Students to 2026 Summer Research Programs

The UChicago Data Science Institute kicked off its 2026 Summer Research Programs last week, welcoming 48 students into this year’s cohorts of the Data Science for Social Impact (DSSI) Summer Experience and DSI Summer Lab. These summer research programs bring together undergraduate and high school students as they build technical data science skills, collaborate with mentors and peers, and explore career pathways in research.

Over the course of eight weeks, students immerse themselves into the field of data science across several domains. The programs provide an entry way into the world of research as they learn and build upon technical skills under the guidance of experienced researchers and mentors, while being exposed to a variety of academic and career opportunities. 

The Data Science for Social Impact Summer Experience (DSSI)

The DSSI program provides undergraduate students an opportunity to dive into ethical data science research that focuses on making a positive social impact. Started in 2023, this intensive program connects students from across a network of higher education institutions, the Data Science for Social Impact Network, who are nominated by faculty to participate based on their interest in utilizing data science to address real-world issues. This year, the program enrolled 26 students from 12 partner institutions including California State University Fresno, Chicago State University, City Colleges of Chicago, Howard University, Morehouse College, North Carolina State University, Prairie View A&M University, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Puerto Rico Rio Pedras, Spelman College, University of Texas San Antonio, and the University of Chicago. Mario Bañuelos, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Cal State Fresno and a founding faculty member of the DSSI Network, returned this summer as the program’s Research Director. 

Following a two-week intensive bootcamp that builds upon and strengthens technical data science skills, DSSI students form smaller groups that focus on specific social impact research projects of their choosing. Connected with grantees of The 11th Hour Project and DSI partner organizations through these projects, students work together under the mentorship of faculty, preceptors and post-docs to address real-world issues through data science. This year’s research projects span across a variety of topics, including Valley Fever reported incidence rate prediction, qualitative and quantitative analysis of maternal health, pesticide usage and reform efforts in California, short-term rental trends in Chicago, and forecasting future deforestation related to palm oil production. 

DSI Summer Lab

The Summer Lab program provides an immersive data science research experience for undergraduate and high school students, introducing them to various domains within data science while building a strong sense of community and collaboration. Led by Kyle Chard, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, the program pairs students under DSI faculty mentors to work on specific studies and projects within their research labs. Mentors for the Summer Lab cohort lead research projects across several fields, including computer science, public policy, biomedical research, climate and energy policy, geophysical science and psychology.

This year’s Summer Lab welcomed a cohort of 22 participants, bringing together undergraduate students from institutions across the country and high school students from the Chicago area. Along with rigorous research experience and exposure, the program encourages students to connect and share their updates and progress from their ongoing research experiences through regularly scheduled cohort bonding events.

As students conduct their research and build their technical skills through enriching and engaging curriculums, the summer programs this year place more emphasis on community and leadership development, bringing both groups together throughout the summer to join a series of social events. With a schedule of engaging social activities, lunchtime speaker sessions, and professional development workshops, students within both programs are able to bond and share their experiences with peers as they grow into their fields of interest. 

On August 7th, both programs culminate with a final symposium where students present findings from their weeks of research to DSI faculty, program mentors and administrators. We are excited to officially welcome our scholars, and look forward to seeing the skills and discoveries they build throughout their time at DSI this summer!