Today’s world is experiencing an overflow of data in need of collection and application, something Isaac Cassulis ’22 knew he wanted to help with even before he applied to Houghton University. With such a desperate need comes the power to create meaningful changes in the world, which Data Science—a program designed to transform data into action using statistics, computer programming, and more—is equipped to offer.

This past summer, Cassulis was able to apply his passion in real life at the “ALLY 400” NASCAR Cup Series Race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Tennessee. Data Science Program Director Carmen McKell ’87 described the experience in detail. “Our students were at the Speedway interacting directly with fans, which gave them a 360 or comprehensive view of what it’s like to be a NASCAR fan,” she shared. “This gave them the confidence they needed to make suggestions for improvement, which the Nashville Superspeedway has already implemented. Students got to experience what it’s like to discover and communicate insights, which have already been used to improve the fan experience for next year.”

Cassulis felt well-equipped for these challenges thanks to the courses he has taken at Houghton—and he urges others to give the rewarding Data Science program a chance for themselves. “ There are applications for data science in practically every field,” Cassulis shared, “and if students are unsure which career path they want to take, the Data Science program at Houghton is a great way to have a major that allows you to change into whichever fields you become interested in.”