Mission and Governance
From Data to Discovery
Why Data Science?
Advances in technology have led to exponential growth in the amount and complexity of data, allowing for hypothesis-driven science to be complemented with data-driven discovery. As data grows in complexity in size, dimension and heterogeneity, it provides unprecedented opportunities for new discoveries in theoretical and applied research.
Our Mission
DataLab data scientists engage in all activities involved in working with this wealth of data—from identification to interpretation—to help extract meaning and generate critical insights for decision making and innovation.
We combine computing, statistics, mathematics, visualization, software development, and domain knowledge to make inferences from various forms of information (including but not limited to numerical, text, audio, and visual data). Our workflows involve engineering, reproducibility and provenance, and often include software development and design.
Training activities at the DataLab highlight the theory, methods, process, and tools for working with and interpreting data. We focus on cultivating curiosity and creativity as well as communication and critical thinking skills in students and researchers across UC Davis.
DataLab Leadership and Governance
Carl Stahmer
Executive Director
Carl Stahmer heads the DataLab and reports to the Vice Provost of Digital Scholarship and the Provost.
DataLab receives feedback from a faculty advisory group and an external advisory board.