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RDS Student Scholars Program

Calling all undergraduate students! 

The Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL) Student Scholars Program is an extracurricular initiative for undergraduate students interested in exploring data and technology with a focus on people, communities, and social good.  

This program is designed for students who are interested in applying their unique experiences and academic backgrounds to collaborative learning about the societal impact of data and technology and responsible practices.

Students from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences all bring important and necessary perspectives to the exploration of data and technology for social good.  

Through participation in this learning experience, you will develop an understanding of what characterizes "responsible data science" across various domains. Together, we will read about ethical dimensions of data science and explore data science case studies using frameworks (or guides) to evaluate them through the lens of responsibility.

In the spring, you will apply this knowledge by creating a framework for assessing and conducting responsible data science in a specific context. 

We invite applications from Pitt undergraduates by September 21, 2025. Up to 15 students will be accepted by September 26.

The Student Scholars will receive a $600 stipend for participating in this learning community in Fall 2025 and another $600 for successfully completing the course in Spring 2026 and presenting during Data Science Day 2026.  

Student Scholars are expected to:

  • Participate in 10 responsible data science learning and work sessions in Academic Year 2025-2026. These sessions are in-person and take place from noon to 2 p.m., with the exception of Data Science Day: 

    • Kick-off meeting: October 3

    • October 17

    • October 31

    • November 14

    • December 5

    • January 23

    • February 13

    • February 27

    • March 20

    • Data Science Day: March 26 

    • April 10
       

  • In a small team, develop a framework for evaluating responsible data science in a specific context. This work will involve discussions with stakeholders at the University of Pittsburgh and regional organizations. Our spring sessions will allow for work and feedback time. 

  • Share experiences as a Responsible Data Science Student Scholar, your evolving understandings of responsible data science, and your framework in the culminating Data Science Day. 

  • Attend recommended events on responsible data science. 

  • Complete light readings and pre-work prior to sessions. 

Through this program, students will:

  • Develop individual understandings of responsible engagement with technology and data 

  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary cohort of Pitt students 

  • Examine dimensions of responsible data science through readings 

  • Apply critical thinking skills to data science case studies and contexts 

  • Develop communication and presentation skills 

  • Synthesize learning to a large audience (poster presentations at Data Science Day 2026 - DSD'26)  

This program is organized by the Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL) in the Office of the Provost, the Sara Fine Institute in the School of Computing and Information, and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative in the Office of Research.  

Please apply using the Qualtrics application.