USF Data Institute Hosts Pitch Days
By: Kirsten Keihl
Tags: Graduate School, San Francisco, Data Science, Practicum

to Connect MS Data Science Students with Industry Partners

The first floor of the USF Downtown Campus was abuzz with a different kind of excitement last week as the MS in Data Science (MSDS) students of the University of San Francisco Data Institute (DI) listened to the pitches of DI partners as they evaluated which practicum projects to take on this year. From the Golden State Warriors, Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets to Mozilla, Airbnb and NakedPoppy, more than 70 companies, nonprofits, research labs and government entities offered up nearly 80 project proposals during this round of Pitch Days.

MSDS students and company presenters listening to project pitches.

“Bringing together industry and academia is our mission, this is where that process manifests. The projects are centered on creating business value through data science,” explained David Uminsky, Executive Director of the Data Institute. “Pitch Days provide students with ample opportunity to mingle and network with the company representatives, asking questions and making connections as they choose their projects.”

Representatives extolled the virtues of their respective companies, then pitched their project proposals. Students sat with rapt attention listening to the possibilities laid out before them for their practicums. Some projects aim for academic publication or to establish new services, some offer the opportunity to dig deeper into an organization’s data to develop predictive models. Taking on topics as varied as improving subreddit and content discoverability on Reddit, exploring longitudinal progression of dementia using open source data for UCSF, and performing historical analysis of off-balance-sheet credit lines for First Republic Bank, MSDS students get applicable experience through these projects.

Jacklyn Nguyen, a MSDS alumnus who now oversees Marketing Insights and Analytics for women’s fashion brand Cuyana, presented their search for a multi-touch attribution model to understand the value of each marketing channel and touchpoint as they directly convert or assist in converting users into customers. She has a unique perspective, having been an MSDS student and now returning as a presenting partner since the program has evolved.

Jacklyn Nguyen (second from L) discussing the Cuyana project with MSDS students.

“This is my first time pitching, I’m excited to be a mentor. We’ve picked projects I know will frame skills and experience that will be beneficial to students when they go out to interview, giving them context to solve real world problems,” Nguyen said. “It’s great to see how the program has grown and the visibility the DI has with companies and in the workforce. It was all in one day when I was here instead of three days of pitches.”

Jake Toffler, an Analyst in Baseball Research and Development for the NY Mets and also a MSDS alumnus, did his own practicum with the Houston Astros before he graduated in 2018. Toffler highlighted his own experience in the program and how that will ensure he can mentor the chosen students effectively. He pitched the Mets’ needs for the development of an infield defense model, a matchup model and a pitcher fatigue model. The Baltimore Orioles were also pitching a project for a similar type of their own pitcher fatigue research.

Kimberly Shenk (DI Advisory Board Member) and Donya Fozoonmayeh (MSDS Alumnus) discussing the NakedPoppy project with MSDS students.

Trulia presented two projects, one on information extraction from real estate transaction documents using deep learning and another as a power analysis tool and lead propensity model. Jeff Baker, Manager of Decision Science and a MSDS alumnus, wisely highlighted the other three alumni on his team and the short walk from campus to the office.

Projects can be scoped for up to nine months. An MSDS faculty member acts as project mentor, guiding students through the project. A project champion from the practicum company provides answers, business context and data.

If you’d like to become a member and pitch a project in our next round, the first step is to discuss possible projects from your organization and how they might fit with the goals of the MSDS program. Visit our website for details or contact Practicum Director Professor Nick Ross to get started.