Willamette University School of Computing and Information Sciences

10/30/2026

Building connections, confidence, and careers in Data Science!

Networking is an essential part of career development, and our Master's in Data Science students recently had the opportunity to put their skills into practice at the annual Willamette School of Computing and Information Sciences networking event!

After practicing elevator pitches and conversation starters in their Technology Careers course, students connected with current students, recent graduates, alumni, and industry professionals to learn about career pathways, exchange insights, and build meaningful professional relationships.

One student shared: “This event taught me to not overthink networking. Every time I went and talked to someone they were engaged and gave great insights that I wasn't expecting.”

Students also heard from Dean Jameson Watts about AI optimism and Lucas C. about research exploring how AI can help train new developers.

At Willamette, career preparation goes beyond technical skills. Through experiences like these, our Data Science students gain the confidence, connections, and professional development opportunities to navigate their careers and thrive in an evolving industry.

A big thank you to our alumni, industry partners, and everyone who continues to show up and support the next generation of data science professionals!

10/27/2026

Your capstone should be more than a final project. At Willamette University, the Master’s in Data Science capstone gives you the opportunity to put everything you’ve learned into practice and graduate with a project you can actually talk about in an interview. 📊💻

Working with a small team, you’ll propose, plan, and complete a substantial project using real data. Along the way, you’ll receive feedback from faculty and peers, navigate the messy realities of real-world analysis, make technical decisions, and determine how to clearly communicate what you discover.

Then, you’ll bring it all together by presenting your work to faculty, classmates, and alumni and completing a written report of your findings.

So when an interviewer asks, “Tell me about something you built,” you’ll have an answer, and the experience to back it up.

10/22/2026

Last Friday, Willamette University's School of Computing and Information Sciences brought together students, alumni, and community members for an engaging conversation about AI optimism and the possibilities emerging technologies create for our future.

Leading the discussion, Dean Jameson Watts explored how artificial intelligence could reshape the way we work, create, and solve problems, while highlighting the uniquely human qualities that technology can't easily replicate.

💡 One thought-provoking idea from the evening came from a prediction by Bethany Crystal:

“Weirdness will be the best human advantage.”

As AI takes on increasingly complex tasks, what new opportunities might emerge for human creativity, curiosity, experimentation, and play?

From exploring new technologies to embracing unconventional ideas, the conversation reminded us that innovation isn't just about what machines can do. It's also about the creativity and imagination we bring to the table.

At Willamette, we're excited to foster conversations that encourage our community to think critically, explore emerging technologies, and imagine what's possible.

👏 Thank you to Dean Jameson Watts and everyone who joined us for an inspiring evening of conversation and connection!

10/20/2026

Portland at night or Salem by day? You choose. 🌆☀️

Willamette University’s Master’s in Data Science gives you options for earning your degree in a way that works with your life, career, and goals.

🌆 Portland - Take evening classes in the heart of the Pearl District, with each course meeting one evening per week from 6-10 p.m. This option is designed for students who want to keep working while building new skills alongside other professionals.

☀️ Salem - Study during the day on Willamette’s main campus, located across the street from the Oregon State Capitol. Courses meet twice each week in shorter daytime sessions, and students can complete the program in as few as 12 months.

And whichever location you choose, you’ll have the flexibility to pursue the program full time or part time.

Both locations offer the same curriculum, faculty, capstone experience, and career support. You’re not choosing between two degrees, you’re choosing the setting and schedule that best fits your life. 📊

https://willamette.edu/academics/computing/data-science/

10/19/2026

From delicate surgeries and prosthetics to theme park attractions, the mind-bending applications for robotics technology can sometimes feel like science fiction. But for recent Willamette University graduate Jordan Fasolt-Holmes BS’26, creating a real-life robotic hand meant bringing the right set of computer science tools together.

Even though he was already working with Assistant Professor of Computer Science Fred Agbo on research into developing an ethics-infused AI curriculum for underrepresented high school students, Fasolt-Holmes decided to take on the extra challenge of an independent capstone project to build a robotic hand that moves in real time.

Jordan Fasolt-Holmes’s BS’26 capstone project brought a 3D-printed hand to life and helped him land a job in robotics software engineering.

10/15/2026

The weekly TechBytes seminars at Willamette's School of Computing & Information Sciences bring together students and faculty to explore innovative tech, gain insights from industry experts and build connections for long-term success.

While every session can be a little bit different three things remain consistent: great people, great perspectives, and great pizza. Read more here: https://news.willamette.edu/library/2026/10/techbytes-community.html

10/14/2026

Interested in earning your bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Data Science at Willamette? Join the School of Computing & Information Sciences for an Accelerated MS in Data Science Application Workshop!

With new pathways available to students across all majors, the accelerated program is an opportunity to explore how graduate-level data science skills can complement what you’re already studying and support your future career goals.

Bring your questions and learn more about the program, application process, and how the accelerated pathway could fit into your Willamette experience.

Monday, October 19, 2026
12-1 p.m.
QUAD Center | Ford, 2nd Floor

https://grad-apply.willamette.edu/register/?id=9e501d23-84fb-4d8e-b72b-1a22832c5f79

10/13/2026

Ready to take the next step toward a career in data science? Willamette University’s Master’s in Data Science Early Decision Deadline is December 15, 2026, and now is a great time to get your application ready.

Our application process is designed to be simple and accessible, so you can focus on showing us your potential, sharing your experiences and goals, and preparing for what comes next.

And when you apply, you’re also applying for scholarship consideration. All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admission process, with scholarship awards announced in your admission decision letter. 🎓✨

Whether you’re a recent graduate, working professional, or career changer, your next chapter in data science could start at Willamette.

December 15 will be here before you know it! Learn more about the application process and start your application: https://willamette.edu/admissions/apply/grad/data-science

10/12/2026

We love seeing where hands-on learning takes our students in Willamette University’s School of Computing & Information Sciences!

This summer, Liam Cochran worked alongside fellow student researcher Sophie Avery and faculty mentor Calvin Deutschbein on 'Daedalus: Streaming Feature Selection for Hardware Validation'. Their research explores ways to make analyzing large amounts of hardware simulation data faster and more workable.

Recently, Liam and the team had the opportunity to share their work at the Intel Academic Security Conference poster session. The project was made possible in part through the UR2PhD computing research program, giving students the opportunity to gain meaningful research experience while working closely with faculty and one another.

Congratulations to Liam, Sophie, and Calvin on this exciting work! Experiences like these are a great example of how SCIS students can take what they’re learning beyond the classroom and contribute to real-world computing research. 💻

10/08/2026

Have you been enjoying our Willamette University Graduate Programs Coffee Chats? ☕🎓

We’re keeping the conversations going! Over the next few weeks, our graduate admissions recruiters will be traveling across Oregon to meet with prospective students and answer questions about Willamette’s graduate programs.

Register for a Graduate Programs Coffee Chat to connect one-on-one with a recruiter and learn more about:
- Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management
- Willamette University’s graduate program in Data Science

Whether you’re actively preparing for graduate school or just starting to explore your options, stop by to ask questions about programs, admissions, career opportunities, student life, or what earning your graduate degree at Willamette could look like.

We’re coming to a coffee shop near you and would love to meet you! Check out the link below to find your Coffee Chat date and location and reserve your spot.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-y7FUOpqLtpfG6Q1BYkx_aPaoyDG9K54YaxvHgmVegjj1xA/viewform