WashU Data Science Network making connections across campus
Interdisciplinary student group provides hands-on data science experience
Ryan Seaton, a junior majoring in supply chain logistics and data science, formed the WashU Data Science Network (WUDSN) in fall 2024 along with co-founders Daniel Mukhin, a junior majoring in data science and financial engineering, and Owen Stegh, a junior majoring in data science, to connect students with data science-oriented projects and coursework. The original scope of WUDSN included providing project opportunities, knowledge on common data science software, and other data science related initiatives. WUDSN has expanded to include networking opportunities, career advice and mentorship coordination and strives to be a space that provides support for students interested in all different fields of data science.
Learn more about the group from Mukhin below.
What is WUDSN’s mission?
WUDSN aims to cultivate a learning community where members gain hands-on experience, foster a comprehensive understanding of data science concepts, and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and implementation.
What makes the group unique?
WUDSN’s members are interested in applying data science in a wide range of disciplines. Data science as a career path is not only limited to engineers and, with its rise of popularity, has shown promise in fields like medicine, political science and business. Because of this breadth, WUDSN does not impose any prerequisites or benchmarks for membership. We welcome students of all backgrounds who are curious about how data can shape the world.
In addition to our inclusive membership, WUDSN is the first data science organization on campus dedicated to bridging theoretical knowledge with real‑world implementation. We offer hands‑on projects, skill‑building workshops and connections to job opportunities in the field. Historically, we have partnered with St. Louis–based companies to give our members exposure to the types of roles available in data science and to help them understand how their interests can translate into meaningful career paths.
What challenges have you encountered?
One of the largest challenges of leading such an interdisciplinary club is accommodating the large range of technical abilities. Since we do not have any prerequisites to joining WUDSN, our members possess varying skill levels. Although challenging, this is what makes WUDSN truly unique. As we continue to have a presence on campus, we hope to bridge the gap between members’ skill levels.
What are your plans for this semester and beyond?
Our plans for the rest of the semester include a course recommendation meeting, a speaker event and sending a team to the Mizzou Datafest to compete in a week-long conference. This fully funded opportunity is the first of its kind for WUDSN and is a steppingstone toward future competitions. For the near future, we hope to continue to expand on our mission, which includes providing opportunities to network, apply skills and learn more about the data science world.
What was a memorable event from this year?
Our recent speaker event promoted the interdisciplinary use of data science. Although commonly thought of as a technical field that’s advancing more STEM-oriented disciplines, data science has become popular in places like the humanities. Our event featured WashU Arts & Sciences researchers Bo Li (Data Science and Environmental Science) and Claudia Carroll (Data Science and Humanities).
For more information or to get involved, contact Mukhin and Stegh.
