MIT’s IDSS Forges Global Data Science Talent Networks Through Innovative Education Programs

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, the fundamental importance of mathematical skills is being reaffirmed by MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). Professor Devavrat Shah of MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department argues that a strong foundation in mathematics is crucial for effectively utilizing AI tools and accurately interpreting their results.

“As large language models and generative AI meet new applications, these cutting-edge tools will continue to reshape entire sectors of industry and bring new insights to challenges in research and policy,” says Shah. “The world needs people who can grasp the underlying concepts behind AI to truly leverage its potential.”

Shah is a professor at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), an interdisciplinary unit addressing the global demand for data skills through online programs such as the MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science, which he directs.

The MicroMasters program has a global reach, with over a thousand credential holders and tens of thousands of learners. It is also the educational foundation for IDSS partnerships, where MIT teams collaborate with organizations to support learners through the curriculum.

IDSS has partnered with the Brescia Institute of Technology (BREIT) in Peru to provide graduate-level data science education. According to Fotini Christia, Director of IDSS, this collaboration is training data scientists who are impacting decision-making in Peruvian industry, society, and policy.

BREIT’s Advanced Program in Data Science and Global Skills, developed with IDSS, offers training in both technical and non-technical skills. Participants complete the MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science (SDS), gaining expertise in statistics, probability, data analysis, and machine learning. The program also focuses on developing crucial career skills like communication, critical thinking, team-building, and ethics.

Renato Castro, a BREIT learner, emphasizes the program’s comprehensive approach: “The program teaches more than the mathematics. It’s a systematic way of thinking that helps you have an impact on real-world problems and create wealth not only for a company, but wealth for the people.”

Lucia Haro, Manager of BREIT, highlights the program’s broader mission: “We are training the next generation to contribute to the economic development of our country and to have a positive social impact in Peru.”

MIT graduate student teaching assistants provide tailored support to BREIT learners through regular sessions, offering hands-on practice and addressing questions. Jesús Figueroa, a program graduate and current teaching assistant, emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating complex concepts.

The program has seen significant growth, with eight cohorts completed and three more in progress, resulting in nearly 100 MicroMasters credential holders and an additional 90 in the pipeline. IDSS has adapted to evolving needs, including developing a technical assessment to aid learner recruitment.

Karene Chu, Assistant Director of Education for the SDS MicroMasters, explains that the assessment tool evaluates applicants’ prerequisite knowledge in areas like calculus, linear algebra, and Python programming, streamlining the selection process for BREIT.

The program continues to evolve by incorporating feedback from MIT teaching assistants on data projects. The IDSS MicroMasters team has developed new coding demos and expanded the program to include a course in time series analysis, allowing learners to customize their experience.

Susana Kevorkova, Program Manager of the IDSS MicroMasters, emphasizes the importance of partner input in understanding industry demands. IDSS and BREIT now offer a prerequisite “bootcamp” to help learners from diverse backgrounds refresh their knowledge.

BREIT’s program emphasizes practical application through hands-on data projects with local NGOs, focusing on social impact projects to improve the quality of life for Peruvian citizens.

Diego Trujillo Chappa, a BREIT learner, shares his experience working with an NGO to improve a model for identifying potential graduate students by considering factors like reading levels and income.

Yajaira Huerta contributed to an organization building homes for the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a clustering model to identify areas with the highest need for resource allocation.

MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science credential holders have access to IDSS workshops and conferences. BREIT learners have also had opportunities to interact with MIT faculty and students on campus.

“Hosting BREIT and their extraordinarily talented learners brings all our partner efforts full circle, especially as MicroMasters credential holders are a pool of potential recruits for our on-campus graduate programs,” says Christia. “This partnership is a model we are ready to build on and iterate, so that we are developing similar networks and pipelines of data science talent on every part of the globe.”