## Data’s New Frontier: Northwestern Mutual Names Hunter Sandidge as Co-Director
The world runs on data, and understanding it is becoming increasingly crucial in every field. In a move that signifies a major investment in the future, Northwestern Mutual has announced Hunter Sandidge as the new co-director of the prestigious Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute. This isn’t just a name change; it’s a signal of bold ambition, a commitment to pushing the boundaries of data science research and its impact on our world. But who is Hunter Sandidge, and what does his appointment mean for the future of data science at Marquette University?
Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute – What’s Next?
The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) is a partnership between Northwestern Mutual, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a mission to create a technology ecosystem and advance southeastern Wisconsin as a national center for technology, research, business, and talent development. Since its inception in 2018, the institute has championed academic data science and technology learning while propelling innovation in key areas.
Research Focus
The NMDSI has identified five focus areas for its research projects, which utilize data science to address challenging societal issues. These focus areas include artificial intelligence, data bias and ethics, behavioral economics, financial literacy, and health and wealth inequities. The institute has already awarded more than $700,000 in research grants to Marquette and UW-Milwaukee faculty and students for projects that align with these focus areas.
Collaboration
The NMDSI’s success is built on the importance of collaboration between academia and the business community. The institute’s model is designed to bring together experts from both sectors to address complex issues and develop innovative solutions. This collaboration not only fosters a culture of data science within Marquette but also propels innovation in key areas, leading to a positive impact on Wisconsin and beyond.
Impact
The potential impact of the NMDSI’s research and innovation is vast. By addressing societal issues through data science, the institute is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities. The institute’s focus on artificial intelligence, data bias and ethics, and behavioral economics, for example, has the potential to drive positive change in industries such as healthcare, finance, and education.
About the Institute
The NMDSI is a partnership between Northwestern Mutual, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a mission to create a technology ecosystem and advance southeastern Wisconsin as a national center for technology, research, business, and talent development.
Partnership
The partnership between the three institutions is built on a shared vision for advancing technology and innovation in the region. By combining their expertise and resources, the partners are able to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on the local community.
Mission
The NMDSI’s mission is to create a technology ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the region. The institute is committed to advancing southeastern Wisconsin as a national center for technology, research, business, and talent development.
Achievements
Since its inception in 2018, the NMDSI has made significant strides in championing academic data science and technology learning while propelling innovation in key areas. The institute has awarded more than $700,000 in research grants to Marquette and UW-Milwaukee faculty and students for projects that align with its five focus areas.
New Co-Director Appointed
Marquette University has named Hunter Sandidge as its new co-director for the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute. Sandidge is an assistant professor of practice in finance at Marquette Business and director of the FinTech: Applied AI and Business Intelligence concentration of the Accelerating Ingenuity in Markets program.
“I am honored to be appointed co-director of the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute,” Sandidge said. “The NMDSI’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and the business community is a model for others around the country. I look forward to contributing to its mission of establishing Wisconsin as a national hub for technology and innovation.”
Sandidge succeeds Scott Rex, who has served as Marquette’s co-director for the institute since June 2021. “We are incredibly grateful to Scott for his leadership and dedication. His contributions have been instrumental in strengthening both the NMDSI and the culture of data science within Marquette; we look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped establish,” said Keyes Dean of Business Administration Andrew DeGuire.
More than 60 Marquette faculty members are affiliated with NMDSI, with 12 coming from Marquette Business.
Conclusion
As we conclude our article on Hunter Sandidge’s appointment as the new co-director of the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, it is evident that this development marks a significant milestone in the field of data science. Sandidge’s expertise and leadership will undoubtedly bring a new wave of innovation and collaboration to the institute, fostering a culture of excellence and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in data-driven research.
The implications of this announcement are far-reaching, with potential ripple effects on various industries and fields. As the institute expands its scope and capabilities, it will likely attract top talent from around the world, driving progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. Moreover, the collaboration between Northwestern Mutual and Marquette University will undoubtedly lead to the development of cutting-edge solutions that address real-world problems, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Sandidge’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of data scientists and innovators. With his vision and expertise, the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute is poised to become a beacon of excellence in the field, inspiring a new era of discovery and innovation. As we close, we are left with a sense of excitement and anticipation, eagerly awaiting the impact that Sandidge and the institute will have on the world.