Data Science and Society (DSS) at Vassar is an interdisciplinary effort to combine data science, the study and application of data to many real world problems, with a focus on its societal impact, both the positives and the negatives. We recognize that as the world becomes more and more data rich and as we develop more and more tools to handle and analyze such data, the more Vassar students and society at large need to learn how to become critical surveyors of the data landscape.

As part of our ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of interrogating the relationship between data science and society, DSS organizes a colloquium series, sponsors a Faculty-Student Small Grants Program, and supports a correlate for students.

If you have any questions, or would like to get involved, please email the Steering Committee at DSSCommittee@vassar.edu.  You’re also welcome to contact individual members of the Steering Committee.

If you are a Vassar student interested in learning more about DSS, please check out our Useful Information for Students page, sign up for the DSS mailing list,  and don’t hesitate to reach out to members of the Steering Committee to learn more.

2025-2026 Steering Committee Members:

Ming An, Mathematics and Statistics (Executive Committee Member)
Robin Belton, Mathematics and Statistics
Allan Clifton, Psychological Science
Leroy Cooper, Biology and Science Technology & Society
Abigail Coplin, Sociology and Science Technology & Society (STS)
Daryl DeFord, Mathematics and Statistics
Josh de Leeuw, Cognitive Science and Neuroscience and Behavior
Jonathan Gordon, Computer Science
Benjamin Ho, Economics – on leave Fall 2025
Sarah Pearlman, Economics (Executive Committee Member)
Anubha Singh, Science Technology & Society (STS)
Marc Smith, Computer Science 
Logan Stapleton, Computer Science
Jason Waterman, Computer Science (Executive Committee Member)