The Data Mine Corporate Partners Symposium gives students the chance to showcase over 90 applied projects with 68 industry corporate partners through an interactive poster session. This year’s event will occur from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the France A. Córdova Recreational Center in West Lafayette. Everyone in the Purdue community is invited to attend and interact with the student project teams and their corporate partners.

The wide range of unique corporate partners that students have the opportunity to work with is reflected in the content of each presentation, which varies from project to project. Examples from previous years include work in predictive modeling using machine learning, dashboard and database development, natural language processing, and large language models.

“The Data Mine Symposium is always a highlight for us,” says Jessica Jud, The Data Mine’s interim director of partnerships. “It’s a showcase of the incredible work our students accomplish in collaboration with industry mentors.”

Jud says students spend a full academic year working side-by-side with corporate partners on real-world, data-focused projects — the kind of experience that builds both technical know-how and professional confidence.

“We’re always blown away by the creativity and insight our students bring, and we’re incredibly thankful to the companies who support them and help make this possible,” she adds. “If you’re curious about what The Data Mine is all about, the Symposium is the perfect way to see the impact of these partnerships up close.”

What is The Data Mine?

The Data Mine is a large-scale learning community that provides an inclusive environment for students dedicated to learning more about data exploration, analysis and other applied data science skills, with project-based work and industry partnerships that give students a chance to embrace their passion. The community comprises over 2,000 students, ranging from first-year undergraduate students to graduate students.

“Data science is for everyone,” Jud shares. “At The Data Mine, we’ve created a space where people can explore, grow and figure things out together. Whether students are new to the field or already deep into it, they’re welcome here.”

In addition to providing a community for students passionate about growing their data science skills, The Data Mine allows them to develop professionally through corporate partnership programs, sponsored research opportunities, leadership opportunities like Data Mine Ambassadors and teaching assistant roles

“It’s been exciting to watch The Data Mine grow. What started as a space for students at Purdue to dig into data science has expanded at both of Purdue’s locations in West Lafayette and Indianapolis,” Jud says.

Jud adds that new programs such as the Indiana Data Mine Network, Data Mine of the Rockies and the National Data Mine Network are creating powerful connections with schools across the state — and even the country.

“More students than ever are getting the chance to be part of this experience, and it’s all rooted in the same spirit of hands-on learning and innovation that started right here at Purdue,” she says.

The greater context of data literacy

The role that data literacy plays in our 21st-century world has increased drastically in the past few years, and it shows no sign of becoming any less important in the future. The Data Mine establishes a strong foundation in data science, giving students the opportunity to approach evolving industries already equipped with relevant experience.

“There’s more data out there than most organizations know what to do with,” Jud says. “What’s great about our industry partnerships is that they give students the chance to dive in and actually do something with all that information. They’re turning data into real insights and smart decisions that companies can use. Watching them solve real problems and make an impact — that’s what makes this work so rewarding.”

Learn more about becoming a corporate partner by visiting the Roadmap to Partnership. To explore The Data Mine, visit The Data Mine website.