Data Makes a Difference

Data analytics are transforming how farms grow food. More efficient use of resources, better crop yields, and a healthier planet are all within reach with the help of data scientists working for agribusinesses like Land O' Lakes. Carlson School analytics students (and alumni) are part of that progress.

Data holds the potential to solve important social issues like housing stability for vulnerable people. For example, Carlson School students have used data to increase fairness in the rental market and to predict likely evictions before they happen. This helps individuals and families and also contributes to healthier communities.

Relying on data is nothing new in the health and medical fields. But advancements in technology and computing have made it possible to capture and store more detailed data than ever before. Now it's up to analytics professionals to search these vast data repositories for insights and answers. Working in this arena can mean searching for the cause, a cure, or a better treatment, such as in this story about addiction therapy.

In our complex world, getting goods and resources to where they are most needed can be a challenge. For example, the persistent hunger problem in the world's richest country might be solved if food relief organizations had a better way to get available assistance to people in need. Enter data analytics. This story is another example of the social impact of analytics.