The Lucy Family Institute’s flagship initiative, the Interdisciplinary Teaching and Research in Ethical Data Science (iTREDS) Scholars Program, is a two-year interdisciplinary program that prepares undergraduate students at the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College to become leaders in ethical and socially responsible data science through a unique combination of research, teaching, and community engagement.
iTREDS Scholars gain rigorous training in data science while critically examining its ethical, social, and policy dimensions. The program is rooted in the belief that data scientists must not only develop technical expertise but also engage deeply with the societal impacts of their work. Scholars are encouraged to pursue solutions that are equitable, community-informed, and grounded in social responsibility.
A distinctive feature of the iTREDS program is its integration of teaching as a core experience. In addition to research and experiential learning through summer internships and a capstone project, iTREDS Scholars have the opportunity to serve as teaching fellows for the “Responsible and Ethical AI” course, offered to high school students and college freshmen. In this role, scholars help facilitate discussions, mentor peers, and contribute to the development of a broader culture of ethical awareness in data science education.
Throughout the 13-credit curriculum, scholars build technical fluency in data science alongside skills in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and public engagement. By combining research, teaching, and hands-on experience, the iTREDS Scholars Program cultivates a new generation of data scientists committed to shaping a more just and responsible data future.
Curriculum
Internship & Capstone
Faculty & Staff
Meet the Scholars
The iTREDS Scholars program is coordinated by the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, in collaboration with Notre Dame’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the Minor in Data Science, and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Saint Mary’s College.