Our Research

Discoveries in our department, based on inferences and decisions from the data all around us, deliver research advances with a real-world impact in health care, finance, public life, technology and science.

Research Strengths

• Algorithmic Fairness
• Bayesian Statistics
• Causal Inference
• Longitudinal Analysis
• Monte Carlo and MCMC Methods
• Network Analysis
• Nonparametric Methods  
• Spatial and Spatio-Temporal Statistics
• Statistical/Machine Learning
• Time-Series Analysis

Centers, Institutes and Initiatives

Statistics and Data Sciences researchers participate in interdisciplinary efforts across campus to advance insights in areas such as machine learning, epidemiology and population research. 

• Center for Health & Environment: Education and Research (CHEER) is a  hub for multidisciplinary environmental health sciences research and education, bringing together experts from across UT Austin. 
• Good Systems is working to establish a framework for evaluating, developing, implementing and regulating AI-based technologies so they reflect human values. It is a UT Austin Grand Challenge and part of its Bridging Barriers initiative. 
• Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) represents a major UT Austin-led research initiative with TACC, the McDonald Observatory and faculty experts from across astronomy, physics, statistics and data sciences and more.
• Machine Learning Laboratory includes computer scientists, engineers, data scientists, statisticians and mathematicians from across campus and serves as the academic home for the NSF-funded Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning.
• Population Research Center includes researchers from across campus in areas such as demography; education, work and inequality; and population and reproductive health.
• Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) is home to the world's most powerful university supercomputer.

Research Opportunities for SDS Undergraduates

• CNS Experiential Learning Office: Interested in Undergraduate research, Study abroad, and other hands-on experiences? Check out the CNS Office of Experiential Learning! The CNS Experiential Learning Office provides students with meaningful opportunities to enhance their academic journey through hands-on experiences. They offer tailored consultations and resources to help students explore research, internships, community engagement, and global learning programs, including study abroad opportunities. By fostering these experiences, they empower students to develop critical skills, build professional networks, and prepare for successful careers. Additional resources provided by the CNS Experiential Learning Office are linked below:
  • Experiential learning opportunities for SDS majors
  • Freshman Research Initiative
  • Accelerated Research Initiative for upper-level and transfer students
  • How to Get Involved in Research
  • CNS Experiential Learning Resources
  • CNS Study Abroad Information
• Relevant SDS courses for undergraduate research are listed below:
  • SDS 179R, 279R, 379R: Undergraduate Research
  • SDS 357: Case Studies in Data Science
• Office of Undergraduate Research: Consider attending an information session to learn more about how to get involved in undergraduate research. 
  • Eureka: Find faculty members by research interest area or browse current listings of posted research assistantships.
• Other Experiential learning programs across campus:
  • University Leadership Network
  • Social Entrepreneurship Learning Lab (SELL) Fellowship

• Some Funding Opportunities and Travel Support

   

Research News