Top (l. to r.): Paul Gries, Adam Hammond, David Liu, Tomomi Parins-Fukuchi; bottom (l. to r.): Michael Widener, Nathan Taback, Mary Pugh.

The prestigious , one of the university’s , has been bestowed on the Interdisciplinary Data Science Course Development Team for the creation of three introductory data science courses for students across the faculty — particularly students without a traditional computational or quantitative background.

The team, which includes seven instructors from the humanities, social sciences, life and mathematical sciences, combined their disciplinary and pedagogical expertise to create learning experiences that give students skills applicable to any career, that nurture a critical approach to problems, and that equip them to think outside traditional methods of analysis. The results are innovative courses designed to prepare students to tackle today’s complex challenges.

The courses are: ENG286H1 — Literature and Data; GGR274H — Introductory Computation and Data Science for the Social Sciences; and EEB125H1 — Introductory Computation and Data Science for the Life and Physical Sciences.

The team includes:

• Professor , Teaching Stream, Computer Science

• Associate Professor Adam Hammond, English

• Professor , Teaching Stream, Computer Science

• Professor Tomomi Parins-Fukuchi, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

• Professor Mary Pugh, Mathematics

• Professor Nathan Taback, Teaching Stream, Statistical Sciences

• Professor Michael Widener, Geography & Planning

The initiative emerged from the Faculty of Arts & Science Computational and Data Studies Working Group that was established to address growing student demand for computational and data-related learning beyond the departments of Computer Science and Statistical Sciences.

U of T’s Awards of Excellence program has recognized exceptional students, faculty, librarians and administrative staff members since 1921. Though the criteria differ for each of the awards in the suite, recipients all share a commitment to enhancing the university experience of their peers and leave a significant impact on the university through their efforts.

“The award recognizes a deeply interdisciplinary and sustained collaboration that has transformed how students across Arts & Science encounter computation and data analysis,” says , professor, teaching stream in the ������Ƶ of Computer Science, who nominated the team.

“The sustained impact on student learning, combined with the team’s deep interdisciplinary collaboration and commitment to pedagogical innovation, exemplifies the values recognized by the Northrop Frye Award.”

According to Faculty of Arts & Science vice dean, undergraduate Randy Boyagoda, “These three courses demonstrate that when data science education is designed intentionally — grounded in accessibility, interdisciplinarity and ethical awareness — students from across the faculty eagerly and successfully engage with it.

"Students who take these courses will leave university with greater confidence in knowing how data science works, which will matter to their personal and professional lives and make them all the more willing and able to be good contributors to our shared public life,” says Boyagoda, who is also the university’s provostial advisor on civil discourse and a professor in the ������Ƶ of English.

The success and impact of the team’s work is reflected in a typical student’s feedback: “With its intersection with computer science and traditional English studies, ENG286 prepared me to think about how developing technologies such as AI and an ever-expanding digital marketplace and database can both enrich traditional legal views while also criticizing and promoting new ways to view precedents.”

Computer Science alumna Julie Chan delivers her keynote address at the latest b2B career night.
(Photo credit: Bilal Khan)

Arts & Science students and recent graduates met alumni mentors for an evening of casual conversation and networking at the latest industry night — and they came away with great advice.

“As you move from backpack to briefcase, the one thing that can really set you apart is being willing to step outside, meet people and connect in real life,” says Julie Chan, the keynote speaker and ������Ƶ of Computer Science alumna.

The b2B program connects A&S alumni with students to help them make the transition from university to a rewarding career. Industry nights include a keynote address and casual conversations that give students the opportunity to explore their next career steps.

Chan, who earned her bachelor of science degree in 1982 as a member of , has made mentoring a top priority throughout her career and stayed connected to the ������Ƶ of Computer Science. At b2B, she shared a story about coaching a mentee through a job interview, which led him to land a role at his dream company.

“Mentors are a gateway to wider networks; they will know other experts who can help you,” Chan says. “Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions as I did when I was looking for work.”

The keynote address resonated with attendees of the event.

“I really liked Julie’s advice about stepping out and meeting people in person,” says Christina Sun, a second-year studying political science, sociology and environmental studies as a member of . “It’s good to build those human connections.”