UW Data Science Center Fellowships Awarded to Faculty Members

The University of Wyoming’s School of Computing has selected Camellia Okpodu, a professor in the Department of Botany, and Tim Robinson, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, as Data Science Center Faculty Fellows for the 2023-24 academic year.

The selection committee recognized the applicants’ continued pursuit of excellence in data science through research, teaching and engagement, and their commitment to contributing to building a data science community at UW.

Okpodu’s research focuses on developing cutting-edge tools to study leafy spurge, a troublesome weed with significant economic impact in Wyoming. Her work showcases the intersection of data science, Wyoming’s environmental challenges and computing. By using data science techniques to understand the spread and containment of leafy spurge, Okpodu’s research contributes to knowledge of weed physiology; supports environmental and agricultural needs; and demonstrates the application of data science in solving real-world problems within the state.

Robinson’s innovative work in sports analytics aligns with Wyoming and computing interests. He recognizes the benefits of data science in supporting the health of UW’s student-athletes, improving team performance metrics and enhancing strategic decision-making in athletics. Collaborating with Jimmy Edel,  UW men’s basketball strength coach, Robinson is developing an easy-to-use app that integrates various basketball training data sources, along with smart device data. The app aims to predict player performance; align training activities with competition metrics; monitor injury recovery; and assist in strategic athletic recruiting.

Supported by the Trent and Mary McDonald Data Science Center Excellence Fund, these fellowships embody the commitment of Trent and Mary McDonald to the importance and relevance of applied data science. These fellowships enable faculty and students at UW to advance their work and contribute to the ever-evolving field of data science. The faculty fellowships include a financial support package of $5,000 for fellows to advance their research, teaching and engagement endeavors in data science.

As faculty fellows, Okpodu and Robinson will engage with the Data Science Center that recently moved to the School of Computing, where it will work to energize curriculum development, student opportunities and interdisciplinary research in data science.

“Congratulations to Dr. Okpodu and Dr. Robinson for their well-deserved recognition,” says Jeff Hamerlinck, acting director of the Data Science Center. “Their ongoing contributions will undoubtedly enhance the research landscape at the University of Wyoming. Further, we appreciate the generous support of Trent and Mary McDonald, which makes this work possible.”

For more information on the School of Computing, the Data Science Center and faculty fellowships, visit www.uwyo.edu/soc/.