ALLIANCE — Applying their classroom knowledge to meaningful projects, nine University of Mount Union students gained experience through paid summer internships provided by the University’s Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDSAI).

The internships, funded through the CDSAI, connected students with leaders across the University, including the Office of Advancement and faculty mentors in chemistry, physics and data science, as well as external partners such as AllStaff and Grai Med. Through these experiences, students developed technical skills, strengthened professional competencies and gained firsthand exposure to how data analytics and artificial intelligence are transforming organizations and research programs.

Several of the students highlighted the value of working on authentic projects with real-world impact. 

"This summer, I worked with GRAIMED, a local startup that develops AI models to improve medical imaging and diagnostics," said Drew Strickland. "My internship allowed me to work with knowledgeable data scientists in the industry and learn new techniques. The experience strengthened my ability to communicate ideas and findings while reinforcing that the skills I have learned in the data science curriculum are very much in demand."

Students working with faculty mentors also experienced how data science can support scientific discovery. Abigail Miller, who worked with Dr. Christine Morales, assistant professor of chemistry, helped organize and visualize data related to the distribution of PFAS compounds across Ohio. Valerie Stroup also worked with Morales using machine learning techniques to predict the properties of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

"This project gave me a good idea of how data can be collected and then visualized," Miller said. "It offered a unique perspective on how information that may not be easily understood in numbers can become meaningful when presented visually."

"As someone who wants to pursue a career in research, experiences like these can help prepare me for graduate school and future opportunities," Stroup said, whose project has already provided opportunities for conference presentations and research engagements.

In another faculty-led project, Emily Owens worked with Dr. Julie Butler, assistant professor of physics, to develop ClarifAI, an AI-assisted educational platform designed to support student learning and academic growth.

"This project was especially meaningful because it gave me the chance to use skills I've spent years developing to help the University respond to one of the most influential changes of our generation: generative AI," Owens said. "The most important thing I learned was how fulfilling it is to build something you genuinely believe in."

“Emily’s project demonstrates how AI can be used to support student success and also demonstrates ethical uses of AI,” said Butler. “Through this project, Emily gained hands-on experience designing, developing, and deploying AI-powered tools for real users on Mount Union’s campus. Her work provided valuable experience applying classroom knowledge to solve practical problems and allowed her to develop skills in project management, communication and software development.”

Students also gained experience applying data skills outside of traditional research environments. Jalen Randleman, who worked with Mount Union's Office of Advancement, helped organize and maintain institutional records and data resources.

"The experience helped me better understand the importance of data in the day-to-day operations of an organization," Randleman said. "It showed me how important accuracy and attention to detail are when working with large datasets."

The impact of the program extended beyond campus. At Grai Med, Mount Union students contributed directly to artificial intelligence initiatives focused on healthcare applications.

"Drew and Trevor spent the summer building AI preprocessing data pipelines and researching deep learning algorithms that will support Grai Med's radiogenomic models and hospital partnerships," said Mike Taras, Chief Product Officer at Grai Med. "We gave them a deliberately loose problem; they delivered a repeatable pipeline that two upcoming research studies will use. They expressed enjoyment working on real problems that will help real people alongside industry leaders in AI decision-making. Thank you, Mount Union, for the partnership and for sending us people who came ready to learn, roll with difficulties, and build AI solutions."

The Center for Data Science and AI was created to expand educational opportunities in data science, analytics, and artificial intelligence while building partnerships that connect students with meaningful professional experiences. Through initiatives such as the summer internship program, students are able to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges, explore career pathways, and develop the skills sought by employers and graduate programs alike. The Center's mission includes creating experiential learning opportunities and strengthening connections between the University, industry, and the broader community.