The Lucy Family Institute’s flagship initiative, the Interdisciplinary Training and Research in Ethical Data Science, 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 the integration of teaching as part of the scholar experience. In addition to research, summer internships, and a capstone project, iTREDS Scholars may serve as Teaching Fellows for the course “Responsible and Ethical AI,” offered to high school students and college freshmen through the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) and ND Learning’s Office of Digital Learning.
Designed and led by Professor Valya Kuskova, the course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethical responsibility. As Teaching Fellows, iTREDS Scholars facilitate two 45-minute virtual class sessions per week via Zoom, mentor students, support coursework, and collaborate with faculty, high school co-teachers, and program staff.
The role requires up to 10 hours per week during the Fall 2026 semester (August–December), participation in a kickoff event on August 28, 2026 (9:30 AM–2:00 PM), and weekly coordination meetings on Mondays from 3:00–4:00 PM ET. This paid leadership opportunity ($17.50/hour) provides valuable experience in teaching, mentorship, and ethical AI 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.
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.