Data science is an interdisciplinary field that involves extracting meaningful insights, knowledge, and patterns from data using a combination of statistical techniques, mathematics, computer science, and domain expertise. At its core, it revolves around the process of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform decision-making, make predictions, or uncover underlying trends. Operations research (OR) and (its sister field, Operations Management (OM)) is a multidisciplinary discipline that uses mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to design, analyze, and optimize complex systems and processes. The goal is to positively impact society, businesses, and organizations.
Researchers use mathematical tools to study a wide range of problems, like
- how to design sustainable supply chains,
- how to streamline urban planning processes like building a speed-bump,
- how to avoid unintentional discrimination in algorithmic decision-making and AI systems
- how to optimize renewable energy allocation in smart grids based on weather patterns and consumption data
- how to detect early warning signs of financial fraud
- how to understand and combat misinformation on social media
- how to boost workplace productivity and satisfaction using employee engagement surveys and NLP sentiment analysis
- how to “regreen” deforested lands,
- and many, many, more.
Indeed, most of our faculty at USC Marshall have undergraduate degrees in other fields — mathematics, computer science, economics, statistics — but gravitated towards Data Science, OR and OM to work on technically challenging problems whose solution would make not only theoretical but also tangible, real-world impact. With the rise of AI and data science, OR and OM remain an exciting career path for mathematically inclined individuals to apply their skills to make a meaningful impact on society.
Sound exciting? Check out some projects from Past Participants and Apply Now!