Institute of data and analytics

initiatives

Championing Innovation for a Better Future

Today, data and analytics span virtually all segments of our world. Information and the methods to analyze it enable our decisions to be grounded in evidence and afford us confidence when presenting solutions across a variety of fields. The Institute of Data and Analytics engages in these scientific and technological challenges to positively impact science, industry, and society.

Culverhouse Analytics Summit

Hosted by the Institute of Data & Analytics, the Culverhouse Analytics Summit returns October 8–10, 2025. This premier event bridges industry and academia through keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions focused on the latest trends in business analytics. Attendees will connect with hundreds of data-driven professionals and students to exchange ideas and spark new collaborations.

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INITIATIVES

Cyber Security

The University of Alabama Cybersecurity Clinic is a faculty-led, student-participatory organization that assists small to medium-sized organizations, especially non-profits, to defend themselves against cybersecurity attacks.
Cyber Security

Human Trafficking

The STANDD (Sex Trafficking Analytics for Network Detection and Disruption) initiative aims to identify novel analytical techniques for grouping ad data across popular sites and deploying products that law enforcement agencies can use to more effectively battle sex trafficking.
Human Trafficking

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ACADEMY

The Business Intelligence (BI) Academy provides University of Alabama students with transferable skills to succeed in industry. It aids the University's larger research community in articulating insights through effective data visualization techniques.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ACADEMY

HUMANITARIAN

The upward initiative aims to use analytics methods and technologies to address problems faced by humanitarian operations and nonprofits.
HUMANITARIAN

ELECTRIC VEHICLE ANALYTICS

The EVA (Electric Vehicle Analytics) initiative aims to use data and decision analytics to help Alabama’s transition to the future of transportation with electric vehicles.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE ANALYTICS

leading the charge

MARILLYN A. HEWSON
DATA ANALYTICS LAB

The Marillyn A. Hewson Data Analytics Lab is a state-of-the-art data science and premier research facility that provides a collaborative workspace to devise processes for data – from storage and management to analytics and insights.

Explore the Lab

STATISTICAL CONSULTING LAB

The Statistical Consulting Lab (SCL) provides researchers at The University of Alabama with a resource that supports their investigative efforts with ready access to individuals skilled in the application of statistical methods, data analysis, and statistical computing from a consulting and applied research perspective.

LEARN MORE

DATA ANALYTICS CLUB

The Data Analytics Club is a student-led organization that provides the foundation of data science and machine learning to generate insight and deliver business value.

READY TO JOIN?

Data Repository

The Research Archive for Data Analysis and Reporting (RADAR) system aggregates disparate data sources from multiple sources into a centralized repository that allows for integrated queries across the varying data sources:

  • Public datasets
  • Sensitive government data
  • Private purchased data
  • Researcher-cultivated data
Through the opportunities awarded to me via the IDA, I was able to develop the variety of skills required to be successful in data science. Dr. Parton’s Statistical Consulting class has been invaluable for my current role on the AI Consulting team within the Lockheed Martin Artificial Intelligence Center. My time spent at the IDA has been the single most valuable undergraduate/graduate experience, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the IDA team. Roll Tide
Frank Phillips
Frank PhillipsAI/Machine Learning Engineer, Lockheed Martin; MS, Applied Statistics
The Institute of Data and Analytics provided me the opportunity to solve real-world problems using advanced ML/AI across various industries, from insurance pricing to psychology studies. Not only was I trained on algorithms and programming as a junior Data Scientist, my time with the IDA helped me build a more well-rounded and industry-ready portfolio.
Huan Li
Huan LiData Scientist Lead, VP, JP Morgan Chase & Co; ABD, Applied Statistics
The Institute of Data & Analytics provides the opportunity for students to contribute impactful work with experienced professionals, fostering skills to ensure their success throughout their careers. I credit the strong start to my career from skills that I have developed while at the IDA.
Matt Studer
Matt StuderSr. Data Scientist, Toyota Financial Services Corporation; MS, Applied Statistics
During my time at the Institute of Data and Analytics I had the opportunity to work on high impact projects alongside brilliant individuals. Through these real-world applications I was able to enhance numerous skillsets and grow in my abilities as a researcher, employee, student, and data scientist. These invaluable tools are the foundation of my professional abilities to this day.
Steven Samsel
Steven SamselData Scientist/Marketing, Alabama Power; MS, Applied Statistics
The Institute of Data & Analytics provided me exposure to many experiential learning opportunities that prepared me for my career. Apart from classroom learning and my thesis work, I had opportunities to collaborate with other ongoing analytics projects in the lab and also opportunities for statistical consulting. The IDA also supported my leadership endeavor to start a student-led Data Analytics club. I would say I got full exposure to collaboration, leadership and experiential learning at the lab.”
Sujit Kunwor
Sujit KunworData Scientist, McLeod Software Corporation; Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Data Science
Working in the Institute of Data & Analytics helped me understand how to create impactful data visualizations to communicate the value of Alabama Medicaid to a variety of stakeholders. I now teach students many of the tactics and strategies I learned so they can use data visualizations to communicate business problems and monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
Teagan M. Nabity-Grover
Teagan M. Nabity-GroverAssistant Professor of Information Technology Management Boise State; Ph.D., MIS
The Institute of Data and Analytics is a great place providing students many chances to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world issues and experience the work in practice. The IDA faculty and staff are so tremendously supportive, offering encouragement and guidance. I am so blessed to have been a part of the organization.
Yuhui Yao
Yuhui YaoAssistant Professor of Biostatistics, The University of Alabama; Ph.D., Applied Statistics
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Amanda Brown