Catalyst

We owe our philosophy for The Data Mine’s modus operandi to Dr. E. Daniel "Dan" Hirleman and Dr. David "Dave" McKinnis, and implemented at the earliest stages by Ms. Margaret "Maggie" Betz. Dan had the early idea that companies might be willing to negotiate new contracts with Purdue University. The companies would explain their most pressing data science needs to students, and the students would actively work to provides solutions to meet the companies' needs. In this way, the companies would proactive accomplish cutting-edge work in the data sciences, and the students would enable the design of new algorithms, applications, environments, methodologies, and tools. These partnerships would result in a tremendous return on investment for the companies, and would enable students to have a much deeper understand of the applications of data science in the workforce. Dave provided brilliant guidance about the business model. Essentially, paraphrasing his advice, he told encouraged us: "Never worry about the money: If the students have a great experience, and the companies have a great experience, the money will come naturally." Wow, Dave was right! Maggie developed these ideas into a mature, systematic model of engagement between students and their industry mentors. As a result, The Data Mine has enabled numerous new and ongoing partnerships between universities and Corporate Partners all over the world.

The first written description of The Data Mine, from a recruiting email draft on November 17, 2017, to Haley Cutler and Jonathan Manz:

"I am pleased to mention a new opportunity that might interest you. We are starting a new Living-Learning Community for 2018-19 called "The Data Mine". We have an inclusive approach that enables students from any data-driven discipline to make it "mine". Indeed, students from any college on campus can apply. Each student will participate in a 1 credit seminar for data-driven professional development, including a mix of training and guest speakers. By learning and living with other students in Hillenbrand, we will foster a welcoming environment for all students who want to work in data-driven careers of all kinds. We will also attempt (although we cannot guarantee) to find research experiences on campus for students who want to be involved in data-driven projects."

In fall 2018, The Data Mine seminar was launched. It consisted of a 1-credit data science seminar, led by Mark Daniel Ward, and also a partnership with Viasat, in which one small team of students worked on a research project with Mark Rapo and Gideon Shalev.

Ellen Gundlach joined The Data Mine as Managing Director in May 2019, and The Data Mine launched a wide variety of academic learning communities for students at Purdue University. Eric Zinn, in his role as Vice President for Student Corporate Experience Development at Purdue Research Foundation, helped to foster the concept of working with a handful of companies during academic year 2019-20. Kevin Amstutz joined in October 2019 as Instruction Specialist. In December 2019, Maggie Betz joined The Data Mine as Corporate Partners Senior Manager.

We should go through the old Data Mine website datamine.purdue.edu and make sure that we are not forgetting any programs.

At the time of writing, The Data Mine has 24 employees, more than 1500 undergraduate and graduate students, and more than 80 partnerships with companies and universities…​ and we are still at the beginning. In its sixth year of operation, The Data Mine is self-funded and brings millions of dollars of revenue to the university.

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Team Members:

Mark Daniel Ward

Ellen Gundlach

Kevin Amstutz

Margaret "Maggie" Betz

Justin Gould

Heather Goodwin

Sarah Rodenbeck

David "Dave" Kotterman

David Glass

Nicole Finley

Rebecca Sharples

Kalika "Kali" Lacy

Jamie Baker

Naomi Mersinger

Shuennhau Chang

Kimberly "Kim" Rechkemmer

Katherine "Katie" Sanders

Nicholas "Nick" or "Rosey" Rosenorn

Jessica Jud

Nicholas "Lenny" Lenfestey

Emily L Hoeing

Elizabeth "Betsy" Satchell

Kimie "Kimmie" Casale

Douglas "Doug" Crabill

Lauren Terese Dalder

Cai Shun Chen

Joshua "Josh" Winchester

Ning "Cindy" Zhou

Gloria Lenfestey

Elizabett "Betsy" Hillery

Stacey Dunderman

Donald Barnes