Positioned to lead in a data-driven world
In a BU Today article, Associate Provost for Computing & Data Sciences, Azer Bestavros, outlines his vision for BU developing challenging, lively, flexible academic experiences for students, while helping them find their passion in the pursuit of vibrant data science careers.
Bestavros explains why now is the time for institutions to invest in computing and data sciences, and why BU is positioned to lead in light of its decades-long investments in computer science and engineering, and its strategic decision in 2019 to set up CDS as an academic unit that "augments and complements" these strengths, and thus recognizes the importance and preserves the identity of the traditional disciplines underlying computing and data science.
Quoting:
The organization of CDS as a University- wide academic unit allows it to develop vibrant academic experiences for BU students by introducing truly interdisciplinary and flexible programs. This way, data science is not seen or treated as a specialization or track within a discipline, but rather as the transdisciplinary field it is, setting students up for success and longevity in data science careers, by complementing foundational knowledge and core competencies with experiential learning and ethical and responsible in-the-field training.
Our aim is nothing less than to democratize access to computing and data sciences, by preparing a more diverse and passionate cohort of learners for rewarding careers, in any field that they choose, by catalyzing faculty research in disciplines that are yet to be transformed, and by bringing data-driven innovation to bear on societally relevant challenges too often overlooked by industry.
Read the entire article on BU Today.