Welcome to the Transportation Data Science Project (TDSP)! The TDSP provides an opportunity to gain practical experience with data science by creating data-driven recommendations to make roads safer for all. Network with TDSP Mentors, receive a virtual certificate of completion, and expand your skillset in the field of data science.
The TDSP is brought to you by the Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub (NEBDHub), National Student Data Corps (NSDC), and U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Project Overview
Leveraging a New York City OpenData transportation dataset, participants will use data science techniques to develop data-driven insights on how roads can be made safer for all.
Participants will learn to assess for potential bias in the data, create pertinent data visualizations, and develop analytical models that can be deployed in the real world. Learners from around the world, from all educational backgrounds and skill levels, are invited to participate. This is an opportunity for you to learn data science techniques in a supportive environment.
Exciting Update for Participants!
Check out the new January 2025 TDSP Accelerator Route below to join a community of learners and mentors, and complete the TDSP in just 3 weeks!
For Educators!
Learn from Dr. Sharon Di, an engineering professor at Columbia University in New York, as she shares how you can incorporate this project into your curriculum.
Choose Your Route
The TDSP is offered at two different difficulty levels, depending on your experience. You may participate in multiple TDSP routes.
You may complete the project(s) individually or with a group of 2 to 4 people. Virtual mentoring sessions will be available monthly to answer your questions, provide guidance, and address any challenges you encounter. You will be automatically invited to the TDSP mentoring sessions after you register to participate in the project. Learn more below!
Exciting Update!
Check out the new January 2025 TDSP Accelerator Route below! Join a community of learners and mentors, and complete the TDSP in just 3 weeks!
Join the January 2025 TDSP Accelerator!
This 3-week program is a fast track, designed to guide you through the Explorer TDSP notebook in a group setting, with direct access to mentorship and peer communications. In only 3 weeks, you will gain a certificate endorsed by the NEBDHub and you may have an opportunity to present your research to DOT officials!
Important Dates: January 6th – January 27th, 2025
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this program. We will guide and support you throughout this project.
Skills You May Gain: Data Cleaning, Python Programming, Time Series Analysis, Geospatial Analysis, Data Visualization, and Critical Thinking Skills
Milestones:
- Data Preparation
- Data Ethics, Pre-Processing, and Exploration
- Time Series Analysis
- Geospatial Analysis
- Self-Guided Research Question
- Virtual Poster Board Creation: Data Storytelling
Total Time: This project consists of 6 Milestones which may take 1 to 5 hours each to complete, based on your level of experience. We will work together to complete this project in 3 weeks from January 6th through January 27th, 2025! This project is not required to be completed in one sitting. Feel free to take breaks!
The Explorer TDSP has six Milestones.
Important Dates: There is no strict start/end date for this project. You may complete it asynchronously and submit when you are ready.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the Explorer TDSP, although some basic knowledge of data analysis and Python can be helpful! We will guide and support you throughout this project.
Skills You May Gain: Data Cleaning, Python Programming, Time Series Analysis, Geospatial Analysis, Data Visualization, and Critical Thinking Skills
Milestones:
- Data Preparation
- Data Ethics, Pre-Processing, and Exploration
- Time Series Analysis
- Geospatial Analysis
- Self-Guided Research Question
- Virtual Poster Board Creation: Data Storytelling
Total Time: This project consists of 6 Milestones which may take 1 to 5 hours each to complete, based on your level of experience. This project, in total, is designed to be completed within 6 to 8 weeks (or less). This project is not required to be completed in one sitting. Feel free to take breaks!
The Navigator TDSP has eight Milestones.
Important Dates: There is no strict start/end date for this project. You may complete it asynchronously and submit when you are ready.
Prerequisites: Intermediate data science and Python programming experience will be helpful while completing this project. We recommend you complete the Explorer TDSP first, though not required.
Skills You May Gain: Data Exploration, Intermediate Python Programming, Spatio-Temporal Analysis, Data Visualization, and Critical Thinking Skills
Milestones:
- Data Preparation
- Data Ethics, Pre-Processing, and Exploration
- Advanced Time Series Analysis
- Spatio-Temporal Analysis
- Location Inequality
- Potential Interventions
- Self-Guided Research Question
- Virtual Poster Board Creation: Data Storytelling
Total Time: This project consists of 8 Milestones which may take 1 to 5 hours each to complete, based on your level of experience. This project, in total, is designed to be completed within 6 to 8 weeks (or less). This project is not required to be completed in one sitting. Feel free to take breaks!
Final Submission & Incentives
At the end of the project(s) you choose, you will submit your completed TDSP Colab Notebook and a one-page virtual poster board to display your final visualizations and insights to the Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub and National Student Data Corps (NSDC) HQ team at Columbia University, and the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration (DOT/FHWA). This final submission will showcase your data analysis skills and your ability to communicate findings effectively.
Once your project is submitted, the NSDC:
- Will provide you with a virtual certificate for your participation.
- May post select visualizations on the NSDC website as part of a project showcase.
- May invite you to present your findings to DOT/FHWA during a live event, hosted by the NSDC!
Volunteer as a TDSP Mentor
If you are a professional, researcher, faculty member or graduate student, we’d like to invite you to volunteer and participate as a TDSP Mentor.
The responsibility of a TDSP mentor is as follows:
- Co-host one-hour, monthly mentoring sessions, facilitated by the NSDC HQ Team to coach students as they learn transportation data science techniques (exact dates and times TBD according to mentors’ availability and student interest)
- Total Estimated Time Commitment: 1 hour per month
FAQs
Yes; the TDSPs are open to learners from all around the world, including high schoolers, community college and undergraduate students, graduate students, professionals, researchers, etc.
Yes; teams may contain 2 to 4 members. Each team should submit one submission form with the names of all the team members once the project is completed.
No; students may not use Artificial Intelligence Chatbots to complete any part of their submitted projects, including aspects of their poster boards. Submitted projects should only include original, student-created content.
View the poster board submission template here. All graphics should be explained. Please also include and properly cite any necessary acknowledgements and resources on your poster board. Citations may be in MLA, APA, or Chicago format.
Email the NSDC HQ Team at nsdc@nebigdatahub.org with any additional questions.
Stay Connected with Us
Email us at nsdc@nebigdatahub.org with any inquiries or questions.
Some ways to stay connected with the NSDC community:
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- Join our Slack channel
- Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn
- Subscribe to the Northeast Hub YouTube channel
- Sign up for our NSDC mailing list
- Check out the REAL Program for more collaboration opportunities
- Register to Start/Join an NSDC Chapter
- Register for the next NSDC Career Panel and Q&A webinar