Community Research

Data Science Research Teams

The Long Beach Data Science Learning Community funded unique data science research teams comprised of CSULB, LBCC, and LBUSD students, with LBCC and CSULB faculty serving as research mentors.

Each team worked collaboratively with a Long Beach community partner that serves marginalized communities in Long Beach to identify research goals and communicate findings. The focus has been on serving the local community and encouraging students of color to consider and pursue programs and careers in STEM.

This research was funded by the CSU Northridge HSI Innovation Hub, with technology resources provided by Apple.

Community Partners

Books & Buckets Youth Action

The Books & Buckets Youth Action Program is located in the Washington neighborhood in Long Beach. The program empowers youth through academics, athletics, and advocacy.

CSULB College of Education

The College of Education is one of 7 colleges at California State University, Long Beach. The College focuses on building partnerships and preparing and supporting teachers.

The Nonprofit Partnership

The Nonprofit Partnership is located in Long Beach. The organization supports other local nonprofits in finding the tools and resources they need.

Research Presentations

On November 3, 2023, three research teams presented their findings to their community partners. The event was attended by students, faculty and administrators from LBUSD, LBCC, and CSULB, including President Jane Close Conoley and AVP Simon Kim.

The Teams started their work in Spring 2023, continued in summer with a 2-week intensive, and the following fall's work culminated with the event's final project presentations.

The Data Science Research Teams are mentored by faculty at CSU Long Beach and Long Beach CC. Each team included students from high school through masters programs.

Event Agenda

  1. Gallery Walk, 4:00pm-4:45pm. Discuss projects with research teams and community partners; enjoy light refreshments
  2. Opening Remarks, 4:25pm-4:35pm. Drs. Babette Benken and Kagba Suaray (Professors & PIs); Dr. Jane Close Conoley, President.
  3. Research Team #1, 4:35pm-5:00pm. Mining Data to Support the Best Start Region 4 Initiative. Community Partner: The Nonprofit Partnership. Faculty Lead: Dr. Reo Song.
  4. Research Team #2, 5:00pm-5:25pm. Examining Representation on Websites Using Object Detection. Community Partner: CSULB College of Education. Faculty Lead: Dr. Devery Rodgers.
  5. Research Team #3, 5:25pm-5:50pm. Data Science for Community Advocacy in the Washington Neighborhood. Community Partner: Books and Buckets Youth Action. Faculty Lead: Dr. Antonio Martinez.
  6. Closing Remarks, 5:50pm-6:00pm. Drs. Babette Benken and Kagba Suaray

Event Images

Babette Benken, Jane Close Conoley, and Kagba Suaray
Left to right: Dr. Babette Benken, Co-PI; Dr. Jane Close Conoley, CSULB President; and Dr. Kagba Suaray, Co-PI
Babette Benken, Kagba Suaray, and Simon Kim
Left to right: Dr. Babette Benken, Co-PI; Dr. Kagba Suaray, Co-PI; and Dr. Simon Kim, Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Drs. Kagba Suaray and Babette Benken giving opening remarks.
presenter group 1 and poster
Research Team #1 - Mining Data to Support the Best Start Region 4 Initiative. Community Partner: The Nonprofit Partnership. Faculty Lead: Dr. Reo Song.
presenter group 2 and poster
Research Team #2 - Examining Representation on Websites Using Object Detection. Community Partner: CSULB College of Education. Faculty Lead: Dr. Devery Rodgers.
presenter group 3 and poster
Research Team #3 - Data Science for Community Advocacy in the Washington Neighborhood. Community Partner: Books and Buckets Youth Action. Faculty Lead: Dr. Antonio Martinez.