Inspire 2026 Faculty on Data Science: Decoding Data into Insights with R Summer Course
"I’m looking forward to helping students build skills that will stay with them long after the summer is over, skills that will open pathways into field of data science, spark curiosity, and empower them to use data to make a meaningful impact." - Prince Afriyie
Data Science: Decoding Data into Insights with R introduces students to the concepts, methods, and practices that define modern data science, with a focus on the R programming language. Students will learn how to acquire, clean, explore, visualize and model with data to uncover meaningful insights. Below, meet Prince Afriyie, the instructor of this brand-new Inspire course for Summer 2026!
Meet Professor Prince Afriyie:
Q: Tell us about your journey into data science and how you developed your expertise in the field?
A: My journey into data science began with a foundation in mathematics and statistics and a desire to use data to answer meaningful real-world questions. My work spans developing new statistical methods for multiple comparisons, applying modern machine learning approaches in public health, and advancing research in statistics and data science education.
At the University of Virginia, I direct the residential Master of Science in Data Science program and teach across both undergraduate and graduate levels. I lead courses in machine learning, principles of inference and prediction, and communicating with data. Across all my teaching and mentoring, my philosophy is to make data science clear, engaging, and accessible to learners of all backgrounds.
Q: What knowledge and skills can students expect to learn in Data Science: Decoding Data into Insights with R this summer?
A: Students will learn how to transform raw data into clear, actionable insights using the R programming language. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Collect, clean, and structure data from diverse sources using R.
- Explore, visualize, and summarize data.
- Apply statistical and predictive models to make inferences and generate insights, interpreting results within real-world contexts.
- Communicate data-driven findings effectively.
Our focus is not just on what R can do, but how students can use it to think critically, explore interesting questions, and make data-driven decisions.
Q: Do students need a background in data science or coding to be successful in this class?
A: No prior experience is required–just curiosity and a willingness to learn. The course is designed specifically for beginners. We start from the ground up, introducing R and key data science concepts step-by-step, with plenty of guided practice. Students who have never coded before have been some of my strongest success stories because they come in with open minds and quickly gain confidence through structured, supportive learning.
Q: What advice do you have for students interested in taking your class this summer?
A: Bring your curiosity. Experiment, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The best learning happens when you explore questions that genuinely interest you. Whether you care about sports, health, business, or the environment, data science tools we will cover in this course can help you uncover patterns in data.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about Inspire this summer?
A: I’m excited to work with a group of students who are eager to learn, explore new ideas, and challenge themselves. I’m looking forward to helping students build skills that will stay with them long after the summer is over, skills that will open pathways into the field of data science, spark curiosity, and empower them to use data to make a meaningful impact.