OSF-ISU Partnership Ignites Student Success!

This fall, the Department of Mathematics was delighted to welcome our Interdisciplinary Studies–big data and computational intelligence students. We are grateful for the energy, curiosity, and diverse perspectives they bring, and we are proud of the strong connections forming across mathematics, statistics, and data science. 

A significant highlight of the semester was our continued partnership with OSF HealthCare. Students across all programs benefited from a rich series of guest lectures delivered by the OSF Data Science, Statistics, and Healthcare Analytics team. Some of the speakers were ISU alums, and their generous return offered students an inspiring window into the real-world impact of automation, predictive modeling, and visualization.  

The semester also included the much-anticipated Job Shadowing Day at OSF JUMP on November 13, during which students spent a whole day exploring the rapidly growing field of data-driven healthcare. OSF leader Mark Hohulin opened the event by introducing JUMP Simulation’s mission and emphasizing the vital roles of data science, automation, analytics, and applied statistics in improving clinical operations and patient outcomes. Students then participated in three breakout sessions led by OSF data scientists, engineers, and analysts. These sessions showcased real projects in predictive modeling, resource allocation, workflow automation, and optimization. Students observed demonstrations, worked with datasets and digital tools, and asked questions about methods, challenges, and career pathways—seeing how classroom concepts translate into practical clinical applications. A community lunch offered additional networking time, during which students discussed internships, research opportunities, and in-demand skills with OSF professionals.  

The Job Shadowing Day broadened students’ understanding of data-focused healthcare careers and highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Experiences like this continue to support their professional development and inspire future data-driven problem solvers.  

Student OSF intern spotlights

Joshua Tiffany (computer science/computational mathematics) 

Joshua described his internship as “an incredible educational experience,” ranging from projects with small community survey datasets to large-scale analyses on food insecurity. He emphasized the value of collaborating, particularly with medical professionals and interdisciplinary teams. His advice for future interns: be curious, ask questions, and say yes to new opportunities. 

Olivia Stirnaman (statistics) 

Olivia shared that her projects—from survey design to large-scale health trend analysis—are being used directly by OSF leadership to support decisions that improve patient care. She noted how meaningful it was to see data science and healthcare intersect. Her advice to future interns: be a sponge—learn widely and build meaningful connections.  

Looking ahead

We are excited to conclude the semester with the upcoming Data Science Project Competition, co-hosted by the OSF Data Science, Statistics, and Healthcare Analytics team and the ISU Department of Mathematics. We look forward to celebrating our students’ creativity, teamwork, and innovative ideas. 

A warm thank you

The Department of Mathematics extends heartfelt appreciation to the OSF Data Science, Statistics, and Healthcare Analytics team for their ongoing support, mentorship, and dedication to student success. Partnerships like these strengthen, enliven, and connect our programs to the real world.