HARRISBURG, PA – Did you know Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) has an Advisory Board for its Master of Science in Data Analytics degree program? Friday, August 2, marked the first time the Advisory Board has met in its current lineup.
The meeting covered several topics of interest not just to students and job seekers but also to the wider academic, government, technology, and industry communities, such as “The Value of Micro-Credentials and Industry Certifications” and “Key Data Analytics Skills for Graduates.”
“These topics not only highlight the innovative steps at Harrisburg University to enhance our program but also show alignment with broader trends in education and industry,” said Roozbeh Sadeghian, Ph.D., Program Lead for Analytics. “We are excited to further capitalize on the success and potential of our Analytics program. This Advisory Board holds the University to the highest standards in terms of the relevance of our programming, the quality of faculty and student experiences on our campuses, and the close ties we’ve built with innovators and job-creators in the area. Our students benefit tremendously from the experience and perspectives of our Advisory Board members.”
“As a representation of the constituency of the Analytics Program, this group of thought leaders from industry, government, and academia provide strategic insight on constituency needs and market trends that enables the Analytics Program academic offering to remain relevant,” added Kevin Huggins, Ph.D., Professor of Computer and Data Science. “The team plans to meet with the Advisory Board annually as well as in multiple, opportunistic ad-hoc gatherings throughout the year.”
Mission and Purpose
The primary mission of the Advisory Board is to provide strategic guidance, industry insights, and expert recommendations to ensure the University’s data analytics programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of the industry and the latest technological advancements. The Advisory Board serves as a bridge between academia and industry, facilitating collaboration that enriches the educational experience and prepares students for successful careers in data analytics.
The Advisory Board comprises a diverse group of professionals and experts bringing expertise from various sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, government, and more. Their collective knowledge helps guide curriculum development, research initiatives, and industry partnerships, ensuring Harrisburg University’s data analytics programs are robust, relevant, and cutting-edge.
Value to Staff and Students
For the staff at Harrisburg University, the Advisory Board provides valuable insights into industry trends and emerging technologies. Faculty members benefit from this collaboration by staying informed about the latest developments in data analytics, enabling them to integrate relevant and up-to-date content into their courses. This connection also opens opportunities for faculty to engage in joint research projects with industry partners, fostering innovation and contributing to the field of data analytics.
For students, the Advisory Board is instrumental in enhancing their educational experience and career prospects. The Advisory Board’s input helps shape the curriculum to meet industry demands, ensuring students gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the workforce. Additionally, the board facilitates access to internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities, providing students with practical experience and professional connections that are crucial for career success.
Data Analytics Degree Programs at Harrisburg University
Harrisburg University’s Master’s Degree in Data Analytics is one of our most popular programs, designed to equip students to excel in the data-driven world. This graduate-level program focuses on advanced data analytics techniques like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and data mining. Students engage in hands-on projects and research while gaining practical expertise in transforming data into strategic assets and insights. HU also offers a Data Analytics Certificate for employees and leaders who want to take their data analytics skills to the next level.
These data science programs are designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of data analytics. Through partnerships with industry leaders facilitated by the Advisory Board, students have opportunities for internships, mentorships, and real-world projects that enhance their educational experience and boost their career readiness.
Advisory Board Members
HU thanks the Advisory Board for helping to prepare our learners for success in advanced roles and exciting industries. Here are the current members of the Harrisburg University Advisory Board on Data Analytics:
- Amir Bahmanyari – Advisory Data Analytics, AI/Data Science Solutions Architect, Dell Technologies
- Lola Xiomara Bautista Rozo – Academic Researcher, Industrial University of Santander
- Javier Buitrago – CEO, Zinli
- Soha M. Mahgoub – Assistant Director, Information Resources and Technology Management (IRTM)/Associate Chief Information Officer (ACIO) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Jere Ilene Matthews – Open Data Officer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Ian McCulloh – Managing Director, Conexus AI
- Heather Myers, MPS, PMP – Data and Analytics Senior Consultant, KPMG Lighthouse
- Fred Rahmanian, ScD, MSEng – Chief Data Scientist, Penn Medicine
- Stephanie Reisinger – Senior Vice President and General Manager, Real-World Evidence (RWE), Flatiron Health
- David Segal – Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Naqi Logix Inc.
- Sari Siegel, Ph.D. – Vice President, The Lewin Group
For more information about Harrisburg University’s affordable, career-ready STEM degrees, including our online Master of Science in Data Analytics and Data Analytics Certificate programs, visit HarrisburgU.edu today.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
