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<\/p>\nTwo FAMU teams place among the nation\u2019s top competitors, earning \u00a0$15,800<\/p>\n
Tallahassee, Fla.\u2014 Students from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of the Environment (SOE) earned
\n top honors after securing second- and third-place finishes in the 2026 Mastercard
\n Center for Inclusive Growth x Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative
\n Challenge, a national competition focused on using data science to address real-world
\n community and economic challenges.<\/p>\n
The FAMU team competed against more than 100 teams representing historically Black
\n colleges and universities across the country and advanced through multiple rounds
\n before the final round held May 2 in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
The competition challenged students to use data to explore how economic conditions
\n shape healthcare access and to develop small-business solutions to improve community
\n outcomes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving two teams place among the top competitors in a national data science challenge
\n speaks to the strength of our students, the quality of mentorship within the School
\n of the Environment, and FAMU\u2019s growing leadership in interdisciplinary research and
\n innovation,\u201d said Victor Ibeanusi, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU SOE. \u201cThese students demonstrated
\n not only technical excellence but also the ability to apply data science in ways that
\n directly impact communities and improve lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Out of 106 HBCU teams nationwide, FAMU advanced seven teams to the competition midpoint
\n in April, with four reaching the finals and two ultimately earning national awards.<\/p>\n
Ladies of Logic earn second place<\/p>\n
The team Ladies of Logic earned second place and a $10,000 award. Team members included
\n Christianah Adegboyega and Eman Elkholy of FAMU, alongside Mary Okumodi of Spelman
\n College. Their project focused on leveraging data science and strategic analysis to
\n develop solutions centered on inclusive growth and sustainable economic opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe data challenge brought together exceptional scholars with innovative project
\n ideas, making the experience unforgettable,\u201d said Adegboyega. \u201cIt rekindled my love
\n for data science\u2014the curiosity, the challenge, and the drive to create impactful solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hubert Hirwa, Ph.D., assistant director for the FAMU Sustainability Institute, served
\n as the faculty research mentor for the Ladies of Logic team. His expertise in solving environmental challenges using geospatial data, machine
\n learning techniques, and advanced statistics helped guide students through the challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with such a talented, exceptional, and driven group of students was truly
\n inspiring,\u201d said Hirwa. \u201cTheir creativity, academic rigor and teamwork reflected the
\n very best of what data science education can achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The FAMU Eagles team posing with their big check. (Photo special to FAMU)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Team FAMU Eagles earn third place<\/p>\n
The FAMU Eagles team earned third place and a $5,800 award. Team members included Declama Ernsuze,
\n Doaa Medany, and Rahmah Alhashim. Medany said the experience reinforced the power
\n of data science as a tool for solving societal and environmental challenges through
\n innovative business and workforce development strategies.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur project focused on developing data-driven solutions to improve inclusive growth
\n and address real community challenges\u2026\u201d said Medany. \u201cOne of the most valuable parts
\n of this experience was presenting in front of professionals and judges from business,
\n finance, and industry who have led truly impactful projects. Their feedback and perspectives
\n were incredibly motivating and insightful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Throughout the eight-week initiative, students participated in workshops, networking
\n opportunities, and presentations with leaders in business, finance, entrepreneurship,
\n and technology. Sessions explored topics such as startup development, innovation,
\n venture growth, and transforming data into scalable solutions for community impact.<\/p>\n
Advancing FAMU\u2019s Data Science and Innovation Momentum<\/p>\n
The students\u2019 national recognition comes as FAMU continues expanding its focus on Almando Morain, Ph.D., program associate for the FAMU Office of International Agricultural Programs, \u201cAchievements such as these demonstrate how FAMU students are applying innovation, Media Contact:<\/p>\n Rachel James-Terry Deidre Williams
\n artificial intelligence, analytics, and interdisciplinary data science education.
\n Earlier this year, the university highlighted its growing AI and Data Science Cluster<\/a>, an initiative designed to strengthen research collaboration, workforce readiness,
\n ethical AI integration, and innovation across disciplines.<\/p>\n
\n served as a faculty mentor for team FAMU Eagles. An environmental scientist with expertise in data analysis, predictive modeling,
\n and sustainability research, Morain provided guidance that helped students connect
\n data-driven insights to real-world community and environmental challenges.<\/p>\n
\n analytics, and interdisciplinary research to create solutions with measurable community
\n impact,\u201d said Morain.<\/p>\n
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
Director of Communications, Academic Affairs
deidre.williams@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n