AIM-AHEAD & AIHEC Data Science Training Institute (DSTI)

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), in partnership with AIM-AHEAD, is building sustainable artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) capacity across Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

The Data Science Training Institute (DSTI) was an intensive program designed to provide TCU faculty with comprehensive training in data science principles, Python programming, and predictive analytics. The program was intended to build the core technical capacity faculty need to start or expand data science curricula at their home institutions, with particular attention to health issues relevant to Indigenous communities.

AIM-AHEAD & AIHEC DSTI Awardees
AIM-AHEAD & AIHEC DSTI Awardees

Program Goals

Master core concepts of Python programming and use Python libraries such as Pandas for data wrangling.

Navigate datasets and create meaningful visualizations, learn foundational statistical inference and hypothesis testing.

Differentiate AI and machine learning applications in healthcare, calculate and interpret z-scores and t-statistics, and conduct A/B testing.

Conduct supervised learning techniques, including linear regression and classification, and perform unsupervised learning techniques including clustering and dimensionality reduction.

AIM-AHEAD & AIHEC AMC Program

Program Awardees

The Data Science Training Institute is designed to support the planning and execution of research involving the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) datasets, with a focus on health issues relevant to Indigenous communities. During the 8-week program, AI/ML professionals will engage TCU faculty to develop a working knowledge of data science principles with participation in practical hands-on labs in Python programming; predictive analytics in research with a focus on current American Indian & Alaska Native (AI/AN) probing non-clinical health factors by utilizing BRFSS data sets combined with case studies in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Guided by data scientists, faculty will explore advanced algorithmic techniques, advancements in technology and computational tools to build data science programs at TCUs.

Cohort 1

Distribution of Cohort 1 Awardees by Hub
Distribution of Cohort 1 Awardees by Hub

Geographical Distribution of Awardees by Institution

Cohort 1 Outcomes

Program evaluation demonstrated gains in both confidence and practical application of data science skills. Participants reported increased confidence discussing and applying data science generally, AI/ML concepts, data science in health outcome variation, and data science in AI/AN health research.

The program also strengthened connections among faculty interested in expanding data science teaching and research across TCUs.

 

Program Inquiries Have a question? Reach out to us by creating a Helpdesk ticket. Create a Helpdesk Ticket
Program Directors Legand Burge, PhD; Toufeeq Syed, PhD
Scroll to top