Faculty Chat with John Curtin
Are you ready to apply data science to real-world challenges that make a tangible impact on human lives? As an incoming student in the Data Science in Human Behavior program, you’ll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge capstone projects that blend machine learning, behavioral science, and real-world applications.
One of the most exciting projects students have recently worked on involves predicting and preventing substance use relapse using personal sensing technology. Under the mentorship of Dr. John Curtin, students contribute to building machine learning models that analyze smartphone data—such as geolocation, sleep patterns, and social interactions—to predict when someone in recovery might be at risk of relapse. The goal? Delivering timely, personalized interventions to support individuals on their recovery journey.
What Skills did students learn:
- Develop & fine-tune machine learning models for predicting human behavior.
- Work with big data collected in real-time from individuals’ daily lives.
- Explore interpretability in AI, understanding not just when someone is at risk, but why—allowing for tailored interventions.
- Collaborate with experts in psychology, data science, and computer science, receiving hands-on mentoring every step of the way.
No Expert Coding Required—We’ll Get You There!
If terms like “feature engineering” and “machine learning models” sound daunting—don’t worry! The program scaffolds your learning from the basics of statistical modeling to advanced machine learning techniques. You’ll be fully supported by faculty, doctoral students, and your peers as you build your skills.
Is This Program Right for You?
If you’re passionate about human behavior, data science, and using technology for social good, you’ll thrive in this program. Ideal students:
✅ Are curious about solving real-world problems using data.
✅ Have a background in social sciences (psychology, sociology, etc.) and some exposure to statistics.
✅ Enjoy working with technology and algorithms (even if you’re still learning).
Why This Matters
Imagine being part of a project where the models you build could help someone stay in recovery, maintain their mental health, or improve their well-being. The Data Science in Human Behavior program isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about telling the human story behind the data and making a real difference.
🚀 Your journey is waiting. Are you ready to dive in?