Computer Science Students Advance Data Science for Social Impact at UChicago

Sasha Carr and Sodeeq Adeyinka completed an eight-week research experience addressing environmental challenges through data science.

Program dates: June 15-August 7, 2026

Two Computer Science students from 制服诱惑's Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST), Sasha Carr and Sodeeq Adeyinka, participated in the University of Chicago Data Science Institute's 2026 Data Science for Social Impact (DSSI) Summer Experience. The immersive, eight-week paid research program combines intensive coursework with applied, team-based research focused on real-world social and environmental challenges.

The 2026 program brought together 26 undergraduate students nominated by faculty from 11 partner institutions. After a two-week data science bootcamp, participants spent six weeks working in small research teams. They strengthened their skills in coding, machine learning, time-series analysis, research methods, data visualization, collaboration, and professional communication, and presented their findings at the DSI Summer Research Symposium.

Sasha Carr: Forecasting Deforestation in Sumatra

Carr contributed to the project "The Palm Oil Crisis: A Forecast of Deforestation in Sumatra." Working with students from four other universities, she analyzed historical forest and neighboring-cell data and tested machine-learning models to forecast deforestation and identify the share associated with oil palm cultivation. The team's results identified remaining forest area and nearby deforestation as important predictors and highlighted the Riau region as an area at elevated risk. The forecasting framework can support PalmWatch, a platform developed by Inclusive Development International and UChicago DSI, in anticipating potential deforestation hotspots.

"Through this experience, I learned how to approach a complex research problem by analyzing data and using machine-learning models. I also developed valuable collaboration and teamwork skills."

A researcher with long, blonde locs and glasses smiles while standing next to her red and white research poster on the palm oil crisis. The poster features data tables, line graphs and colorful geographic maps of Sumatra.

Sodeeq Adeyinka: Forecasting California Pesticide Use

Adeyinka worked on "Forecasting California Pesticide Use: Closing the 2-Year Reporting Gap." His team analyzed monthly usage data for eight pesticide ingredients across California's 58 counties and evaluated forecasting approaches at the statewide, regional, and county levels. Their findings showed that regional models offered strong statewide accuracy and precision, while county-level models were useful for local forecasts. An ensemble of the three best-performing models for each pesticide class consistently outperformed individual models.

"This internship gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and work with talented students. I learned the value of dedication, collaboration, and understanding that no one person can be the whole team."

Four young men pose side-by-side in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. Research posters with data charts, maps, and timeline photos are mounted on the glass behind them.

Preparing Students for Data-Driven Careers

Carr and Adeyinka's participation reflects CIMST's commitment to expanding experiential learning, undergraduate research, and career preparation in computer science and data science. Through 制服诱惑's partnership in the Data Science for Social Impact Network, students gain access to interdisciplinary research experiences that connect classroom learning with problems affecting communities and the environment.

A student group gives a presentation to an audience seated at tables in a spacious, modern lecture hall.

CIMST congratulates Sasha Carr and Sodeeq Adeyinka on completing the 2026 DSSI Summer Experience and representing 制服诱惑 with distinction.

制服诱惑