The Florida A&M University: Florida State University College of Engineering has recently partnered with American Airlines for a research program in data analysis.

The program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, brings together researchers from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the airline industry to train the next generation of aviation data analytics professionals. This initiative is part of the NSF’s Ten Big Ideas, “Harness the Data Revolution.”

The team, led by Yangshuo Sun, an assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, is developing a data analytics training program in collaboration with the Operations Research and Advanced Analytics group at American Airlines.

The goal is to create a pathway for student success, from mentorship and career development to graduate research opportunities.

One of the first activities of the program is an annual competition co-hosted by American Airlines, which focuses on big data analytics for undergraduate and graduate students.

This competition will introduce new opportunities for underrepresented engineering students to enter the aviation data analytics field.

The program is multifaceted and aims to give students the tools they need to succeed. Participants will receive credit for the newly launched Engineering Data Analytics Certificate Program, which will further validate their training in the industry.

Each spring, the students will present their solutions in a college-level competition. The winners will be invited to an airline-hosted event in Fort Worth, Texas, where they can present their research, interact with professionals, participate in hackathons, and explore career opportunities in aviation.

The program, which is funded by the NSF HBCU-Undergraduate Program, aims to strengthen STEM undergraduate education and research at HBCUs.

The two-year, $200,000 study through FAMU will excite young minds, generate questions, and formulate answers that accelerate discovery and innovation.

The ideas will spill over to help other areas where data analytics can improve our lives, making our cities, workplaces, and environments more livable.