Student Projects for the Greater Good—COVID-19 Edition

With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss leads a data science team at Fiat Chrysler. He serves on the steering committee for the Conference on Statistical Practice and is the founder of Peace-Work, a volunteer cooperative of statisticians and data scientists providing analytic support for charitable groups and applying statistical methods in issue-driven advocacy.

In a few weeks, the start of the new academic year will see many changes due to the pandemic. Universities are still working out details for how to teach, study, and collaborate, and COVID-19 will be on everyone’s minds. Teams of researchers around the world are taking on these challenges, offering students many ways to get involved in projects.

The COVID-19 pandemic is so much more than a medical event, affecting the economy, public policy, the environment, social interaction, education—the list goes on. Data for Good student projects aren’t only for academic publications; opportunities include term papers, science fair entries, conference presentations and posters, and volunteer work for community organizations. The possibilities are almost endless. With this in mind, I want to offer a few thought starters for Data for Good student projects in the year of COVID-19.

Environmental impacts from COVID-19 have been seen in many ways. While the driver has been a pandemic, we have been given a window—perhaps a brief one—to directly observe the results of decreased human impact on the environment. Student projects can investigate decreases in carbon emissions, changes in wildlife behavior, the response of ecosystems to external changes, or the effects of reduced travel—from less acid rain to reduced disturbance to sea life from ocean noise. Every type of environmental impact can be evaluated for potential changes from COVID-19, with new research teams and projects forming every day.

With so many people interested in environmental activism using Data for Good, this is one of the best opportunities for a hackathon. Many people are eager to get involved now, making recruiting easier. You can find a sponsor or stay virtual and choose a question to explore. If you are having trouble finding publicly available data in your area of interest, Peace-Work can help. Just email me. If your interest is environmental advocacy with statistics but you haven’t run a hackathon before, partnering with people experienced in hackathon operation will be important for your success.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy more than any event since the Great Recession. While we hear a lot about the US as a whole, there is a great need for studies focused on local areas and individual communities. However, national and global studies can inform on ideas, data sources, and methods. Empowered by statistics and data science, Data for Good can both think globally and act locally.

COVID-19 has become a central focus for public policy, as well. This means Data for Good needs to play a central role in creating understanding of the pandemic and developing data-driven mitigation strategies. During this pandemic, policies, practices, and even legislation are being developed quickly. Sound analysis of government actions, its effects, and potential unexpected consequences are very much needed.

Just as one example, I developed a lag model a few years back for unemployment rates by race during the Great Recession and subsequent gradual recovery. The analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found re-employment for African Americans who lost their job lagged behind others, with the result that white persons who lost their job in the Great Recession usually found a new one before their unemployment insurance ran out, but African Americans usually didn’t. Who would have thought the number of weeks of unemployment would show such a bias, resulting in devastating effects for one population group? But after years of doing these kinds of analyses, I’ve found a rule of thumb: If there is a problem in the US, Black folks are getting hurt more than most. (And—if you can find data on it—Native Americans even more!)

In the present crisis, opportunities abound for making a difference with student projects and hackathons. Whatever policy decision affects you and those you care about can be the subject of a D4G investigation. Whatever method or algorithm you use most or want to learn about has a place.

Another area where the COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact is education. It isn’t just biological systems; science and the methods for teaching it evolve through punctuated equilibrium, as well. The COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a technological mass extinction event, rendering many old approaches and methods obsolete and opening up new paths for further change and development. Student projects can investigate how the pandemic is changing how we learn, the ways we collaborate, and the tools we use every day.

It’s often said students are our future. In the world of Data for Good, students are also an important part of the here and now. Using statistics to make an impact for the greater good doesn’t need to wait. Solve the equation, save the world. Now is the time, and there are limitless opportunities for everyone!