The University of Puget Sound will host its first DataFest, a weekend-long data analysis competition, from March 27–29, 2026, in Trimble Hall. Students are invited to solve a real-world puzzle using a secret dataset that will be revealed at the kickoff event.
DataFest is a nationwide event organized by the American Statistical Association, bringing together undergraduate students to analyze a curated, real-world dataset. Students compete in teams of two to five and use the tools they know best to uncover insights and present their findings.
“It’s one of the few places in STEM education where there isn’t a right answer,” said Marissa Masden, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science and director of the data analytics program. “Instead, students are being asked to explore in the way that they think is the most informative. That’s what makes it exciting.”
The university launched its new Interdisciplinary Data Analytics minor in fall 2025 to equip students with skills for navigating the growing world of big data, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. Events like DataFest provide hands-on experience to help students build in-demand skills, network with industry professionals, and learn how to ask meaningful questions with data. This kind of open-ended problem-solving aligns with the core of a liberal arts education, which teaches students how to think critically and apply knowledge across disciplines.
Aside from building their data analytics skills, Masden says this experience also equips students with essential career-ready skills. She says the teamwork, resourcefulness, and problem-solving it demands are precisely what employers seek, giving students a big advantage going into the workforce.
The event starts on Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. in Trimble Forum with the reveal of the dataset. On Saturday, there will be three mentorship sessions led by industry professionals and alumni volunteers. The event concludes on Sunday afternoon with team presentations and judging. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the weekend
“Any undergraduate student with an interest in data can join – not every team member needs to be the ‘computers person,’” Masden said. Teams can use any tool they are comfortable with, from Excel and Power BI to Python and R.
Winning teams will receive a one-year American Statistical Association student membership, which includes access to a data-focused jobs board. Additional prizes will be announced closer to the event. Currently, organizers are looking for professionals and alumni to serve as mentors and judges.
“Mentors are there to help students think about the problem the way someone who works with data frequently would,” Masden said. “Not only are students learning from them, but it gives students the chance to interact with professionals in a one-on-one setting.”
Masden notes that valuable expertise is not limited to computer science. Professionals from fields outside technology can provide crucial perspectives, as all of this relates to data science in one way or another.
“We value domain expertise just as much,” she said. “Coming in with experience from any field can help students think about problems differently.”
Fields of relevance include economics, environmental science, finance, public health, and technology.
The deadline for student teams to register is Feb. 13. Students can register as a team or request placement on one. Participants must attend the dataset reveal, a minimum of two mentorship sessions, and the final judging ceremony.
The tentative deadline for volunteer sign-ups is Feb. 20. Professionals interested in mentoring or judging may complete the volunteer form or contact Masden at mmasden@pugetsound.edu. Organizations interested in sponsorships, swag, or advertising opportunities are also encouraged to reach out.
“There’s something powerful about putting a group of people in a room with a problem nobody knows the answer to,” Masden said. “That’s what real data work looks like — and that’s the experience we want students to have.”
For more information on DataFest, visit the American Statistical Association's website.