Dependable Data Driven Discovery National Research Traineeship (D4 NRT)
In D4 News: The 1st Dependable Data Driven Annual Graduate Research Symposium
Graduate Fellows from Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, and Biology showcased their research at the inaugural Dependable Data-Driven Discovery (D4) NRT Symposium at Iowa State University on August 14, 2024. Students presented discipline-specific research and demonstrated how insights gained through the D4 traineeship have enabled them to identify and mitigate AI-related risks within their data-driven discovery research.
OUR COMMITMENT
To train next-generation scientists and engineers in formal foundations, methodology, and tools for assessing and mitigating risks of data-driven discovery from biological and other data.
Our Interdisciplinary Leadership Team: Dr. Wallapak Tavanapong (Computer Science), Dr. Surya Mallapragada (Chemical & Biological Engineering), Eric Weber (Mathematics), Dan Nettleton (Statistics), Qi Li (Computer Science), Iddo Friedberg (Bioinformatics), Baskar Ganapathysubramanian (Mechanical Engineering), Adisak Sukul (Computer Science).
What is a National Research Traineeship (NRT)?
The Dependable Data-Driven Discovery (D4) NRT at Iowa State University is an interdisciplinary training program designed to prepare the next generation of researchers to address dependability challenges in AI and data science. D4 fellows identify and mitigate key risks in data science lifecycles, such as bias and uncertainty, using innovative approaches and collaborative problem-solving. The program emphasizes professional development, teamwork, and practical research, equipping participants from diverse disciplines to advance dependable data-driven discovery and excel in multidisciplinary teams.
The D4 curriculum includes a comprehensive boot camp, specialized coursework, research projects, seminars, soft skills training, and industry experiential learning, all of which can be completed in three semesters.
Competitive graduate fellowships and undergraduate research assistantships are available for 2025, with strong encouragement for applications from underrepresented groups in STEM. The application deadline for 2025 Graduate Traineeships is December 31, 2024.
COMPETITIVE FUNDING AVAILABLE
Admitted trainees may be selected for a 12-month financial package, which includes a $34,000 stipend, tuition waiver, & health insurance.
Eligibility requirements for funding are:
- BS/MS student or MS, PhD student at ISU
- Research interest related to Data Science
- At least 2 years of study remaining
- U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident
The traineeship is funded by National Science Foundation Award No. 2152117
Benefits to trainees
Trainees will be able to
- Identify risks to and measures of trustworthiness of data science lifecycles defined as the processes that plan for, acquire, manage, analyze, and infer from data collectively.
- Research to improve the trustworthiness of data science lifecycles.
- Involve domain experts in biological science and bioengineering for data-driven decisions from biological data.
- Learn about applications of data science lifecycles in practice.
- Recognize ethical issues arising during different stages of data science lifecycles and make ethical decisions.
- Communicate the knowledge, the research, and the findings to stakeholders.
- Contribute as effective members of multidisciplinary teams.
Applications for 2025 close on Feb 15, 2025.