Welcome to the Center for Data Science and Analytics

The Center for Data Science and Analytics (CDSA) is the focal point for applied interdisciplinary analytical research at Kennesaw State University. Housed in the School of Data Science and Analytics, CDSA engages affiliated faculty from across the university’s eleven colleges to execute cutting edge research to address current challenges and opportunities related to big data and data science. Everything we do is guided by the motto, “Students First”.

To assist the faculty, CDSA employs Ph.D. students in Data Science and Analytics as well as master’s students from several affiliated analytics programs, to work on research sponsored by commercial and governmental agencies along with initiatives that engage with the local community for social good.

The Center for Data Science and Analytics Research offers a range of options for both organizations and individuals to get involved. These include research labs that solve real-world problems in partnership with sponsoring organizations, employee upskilling workshops, online certificate programs, student mentoring programs, networking events, and more.

 The Data Science Collaborative Core (DaSCC), housed within the Center of Data Science and Analytics, provides no-cost consulting services to KSU researchers. The unit supports data-driven research, grant development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.

 

Priya Sarathy smiles at camera

Research Partnerships

We collaborate with industry, government, and nonprofit partners to advance AI, machine
learning, and data-driven innovation. Through applied research projects, sponsored labs, and experiential learning opportunities, our faculty and students tackle real-world challenges while generating impactful solutions, publications, presentations, and intellectual property. Everything we do puts students first, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to research and innovation.

Research professors work alongside girl on treadmill
Dr. Priestley stands in front of screen while two students work at table

Project Labs

While research labs focus on breaking new ground, CDSA's project labs are focused on helping you solve day to day problems while having an ongoing pipeline of student talent to vet for employment. Overseen by university faculty, a project lab provides financial support for students as well as real-world, hands-on experience. A project lab is a great fit for companies looking to have an ongoing relationship with the School of Data Science and Analytics as well as a continuous pipeline of potential talent.

Capstone Sponsorships

Capstone classes are a terrific way to access graduate students and to contribute to their educational journey. Class sponsors provide data and a real business problem they would like explored through the analysis of that data. The sponsor kicks off the semester by explaining the data and business problem and attends several classes with students to answer questions and provide feedback on progress throughout the semester. The final exam is a live presentation by each team to a group of the sponsoring company’s executives, who then determine which team wins the award for best project for the semester.

Anaya Tention works on her ipad on a basketball court
Dr. Aktas shows a student a graphic on his computer screen

Mentoring & Networking

We all remember how tough it was to learn how things worked in the “real world” after we graduated. Our student mentoring program pairs individuals from industry with individual students to form a mentoring relationship. From providing input on course selection, to assisting with resume creation, to providing feedback on mock job interviews, to helping assess job offers, mentors can have a big impact on students. As of Fall semester 2024, we have folded the CDSA mentoring program into the College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE) mentoring program. As both a student and a mentor, you can identify your background as being in data science so that you can be properly paired. Find information here  on the CCSE program along with the registration forms.

Speaker Series and Research Colloquium

Speaker Series

The Speaker Series brings industry leaders and professionals to campus to share real-world challenges, best practices, and emerging trends. These sessions help students understand industry needs, develop relevant skills, and create opportunities for collaboration through projects, internships, and research partnerships.

Our webcast, Data Science Perspectives, features industry leaders from the local area, as well as around the country, discussing their own career journey, and the critical thinking skills they used to be successful in their journeys.

Research Colloquium
The Research Colloquium showcases innovative research from academic institutions, research centers, and professional organizations. Invited speakers share new ideas, discoveries, and research opportunities, fostering collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and a culture of innovation among students and faculty. 

Together, these programs connect education, research, and industry to strengthen learning, discovery, and partnership

Sherry Ni speaks at Analytics Day
 
Data Science graduate students attending a upskilling workshops.

Certificates & Data Literacy

CDSA offers customizable employee upskilling workshops on a variety of timely topics. A few examples:

• Data and analytics literacy for non-technical employees.

• How to effectively present and communicate analytical findings.

• The ethical considerations that surround data science and artificial intelligence.

• Foundations of data science using SAS, R, or Python and many more.

CDSA can work with you to develop a program that can be delivered to multiple cohorts within your organization over time in order to keep your team’s skills current. We also offer self-paced online certificates in Python, R, and Rapid Miner through our Community and Professional Education department.

 

Contact CDSA
E-mail: cdsa@kennesaw.edu | Office: J 3238
Street Address: 680 Arntson Drive
MD 9044
Marietta, GA 30060