Academy for Data Science Research
In this academy, you’ll explore how data scientists analyze real-world data to uncover meaningful insights. Through hands-on projects, you’ll learn the fundamentals of data analysis and machine learning while applying the scientific method to professional astronomical data. By the end of the academy, you’ll have a strong foundation in data science and an understanding of how data-driven discoveries are made.
Please note that this is a day camp.
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Summer 2026 Enrollment Now Open!
Develop new skills and forge new friendships in our specialized summer academies.
Limited seats available. Secure your spot today!
Program at a Glance
2026 Academy Dates
July 27 to August 7
Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm
Academy Tuition
$1400
Location
UT Austin Campus
Academy Type
Day Camp
Eligibility
Students entering 10th-12th grade (Fall 2026)
Prerequisites
At least one semester of Python programming
Tools
Python
Tech Requirements
Students must bring a laptop
Credit
Academy Certificate
What You'll Explore
Topics Covered
- Python data science tool
- Essential tools like Jupyter Notebook, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas
- Scientific methods
- Hypothesis building from data
- Machine learning using Scikit-Learn
- Scientific visualization
Hands-On Experiences
- Obtain data from professional databases
- Data cleaning and exploratory data analysis
- Regression analysis of astronomical data
- Interpreting and evaluating results
- Communication and team building
Academy Experience
Where You'll Learn
This academy takes place on campus at the University of Texas at Austin. Students get a taste of university life by learning in the Gates Dell Complex – the home of UT Computer Science.
How You'll Be Supported
Our mentors help you adjust to learning on a college campus, supporting you throughout your stay. Our academies boast an impressive 10:1 student to mentor ratio to make sure students are getting the most out of their time on campus.
Meet Your Academy Staff
Dr. Shyamal Mitra
Professor of Instruction
Department of Computer Science
Professor Shyamal Mitra will teach students how to utilize computational tools for data science research. He has a background in astronomy and physics, as well as decades of experience in computer science, and is a lifelong learner who enjoys incorporating culture into his courses to broaden his students' perspectives beyond the lecture topics.
Allison Grindle
Academy Director
Department of Computer Science
Allison manages the UT Computer Science Summer Academies, introducing high school students from diverse backgrounds to programming. She holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MA from King’s College London. With extensive experience in managing special programs at UT Austin and leading community outreach across Texas, she leverages her project coordination skills to create impactful learning experiences for participants.
Scholarships
Academy scholarships are available on a limited basis. Enrollees with financial need can apply for a scholarship by completing the scholarship application.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Academy for Data Science Research is hosted by the Department of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin in the Gates-Dell Complex. All activities are hosted on the UT Austin campus.
Students entering grades 10-12 in Fall 2026 are eligible to register.
Students do not need to submit an application for the Academy for Data Science Research. Click the “Enroll now” button on the webpage and you will be walked through the enrollment process in the Ideal-Logic portal. When you enroll, be sure to select “Community Login,” not “University of Texas Login.” Please see information on prerequisites below.
Students in this academy should have at least one semester of Python programming experience. All participants in this academy must bring their own laptop.
Students will learn how to conduct research in the field of data science. Students will be introduced to essential tools such as Jupyter Notebook, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas and will study several machine learning models using Scikit-Learn. At the conclusion of the academy, students will understand how data scientists analyze real-world data to obtain meaningful results.
All UT Computer Science Summer Academies are led by UT Austin Computer Science faculty members. More information on each faculty member can be found in the Academy Staff section.
The cost of tuition for the two-week day academy is $1,400. Lunch is included in the cost. Housing is not provided.
All participants in this academy must bring a laptop. We are unfortunately unable to provide computers to students for this program.
Academy tuition scholarships are available on a limited basis. Registrants with financial need can apply for a scholarship by completing the scholarship application, which opens with registration for the summer academies.
Lunch is provided for the academy participants. Students will eat at one of the main dining halls on campus. Top 9 allergen-free meals are available. For more information on dining, visit UT Austin's Dining Halls page.
Please email our team at academies@cs.utexas.edu and we will direct you to our Academy Accommodations Coordinator. Please be as specific as possible in your message so we can best assist you.
Academy participants are supervised at all times. Our daytime counselors, Program Assistants, provide supervision and help during programming activities.
The academy will take place from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday. During this time, students will attend lectures, work on their projects, and take a break for lunch.
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