CDS Students Launch Co-ed Technology Fraternity
What do data science majors do when they encounter a problem? They solve it.
Paul Lee CDS’26 set out to join a professional business fraternity when he arrived at Boston University, but he couldn’t find one focused on data science (his major), technology, or business. Lee reached out to a friend, Tye Robison CDS’26, also a data science major, and asked if she’d be interested in starting one. She agreed, and BU’s chapter of Kappa Theta Pi (KTP) launched in October 2022.
KTP was founded in 2012 at the University of Michigan and centers on five key pillars: professional development, alumni connections, social growth, technological advancement, and academic support. These pillars guide a wide range of events sponsored by the organization, including fall’s Hack Innovat3, an annual hackathon.
“One of the things we love to do is support each other within Computing & Data Science (CDS). It has been so much fun meeting people and learning a lot about this field,” said Robison.
The BU-based KTP chapter specializes in data science and information technology, though you don’t have to be a data science student to join. Most of BU’s 83 members are data science, computer science, or engineering majors.
KTP Community Impact
The co-ed fraternity specializes in data science and information technology, though you don’t have to be a data science student to join. Most of BU’s 83 members are data science, computer science, or engineering majors. “Our community, with diverse academic backgrounds, is well-suited for forming project groups or participating in competitions,” said Lee.
Embedded in the organization's mission is professional development, community impact, and career advancement. In March, four students successfully completed the Innovate for Impact Case Study Competition hosted by JPMorgan Chase & Co, competing against other schools. Additionally, another group of members is currently working on a project to develop an app.
With support from the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, KTP and Phi Chi Theta (PCT) put on April's KTP x PCT Professional Panel to share students’ insights on the competitive world of undergraduate research and industry internships. The event drew more than 90 students.
“CDS played a pivotal role in the commencement of this panel event,” said Robison. “From signage to marketing, they assisted at all fronts in making sure the event ran smoothly.”
KTP also performs service projects. Last fall, 40 members attended a Revere Beach cleanup day.
Co-presidents Lee and Robison say they’ve achieved their short-term goal of giving students a social and professional community with a passion for data science.
“Odds are when you walk into a CDS class, you'll know three people who are also in KTP that you can study with and do your homework with,” said Robison, a CDS student employee along with Lee.
Looking Ahead
Lee and Robison said their longer-term goals include creating stronger connections to technology companies, engaging more with other national chapters, and leveraging alumni connections within the recently launched CDS major.
“I’m excited about what’s to come,” said Lee. “There will be a new leadership group starting next semester, and I think it will continue to be a great community of people with a love for data science and a passion for technology.”
- Toni Fitzgerald, CDS Contributor; Maureen McCarthy