In an era where data drives decision-making across industries, the demand for skilled data scientists has never been higher. Recognizing this critical need for professionals who not only understand data but also its ethical implications, Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development launched its cutting-edge data science program this year. This program is designed to equip students with the tools and knowledge to lead in this rapidly evolving field, with a strong emphasis on ethics, societal impacts, and addressing harms and biases. Now, the University has taken another significant step forward by appointing Emma Klugman as director of the Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science, who brings a human-centered focus to the forefront of the program.
Emma Klugman joins the faculty at the Lynch School after earning her Ph.D. in Education Policy and Data Science, M.A. in Education, and B.A. in Statistics and Computer Science from Harvard University.
“This program attracts students from all walks of life, who bring their passions, expertise, and curiosity to the classroom. They ask questions I would never consider, and I can push their thinking in new directions. It's exciting to witness those lightbulb moments.”
Klugman brings an educational foundation and a dynamic vision to the program. While at Harvard, she co-developed an innovative course focusing on big data, surveillance, algorithmic bias, and ethics in educational data science. She helped design and teach courses spanning applied ethics, natural language processing, data science, statistics, and psychometrics, and advised students of different backgrounds. Her research spans various topics, including the trustworthiness of interpretable AI models used by high school students, developing techniques that bridge text analysis and psychometrics, natural language processing of statistics and data science syllabi, and advocating for equitable college admissions.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Klugman's background is practical and multidisciplinary. Prior to joining Boston College, Klugman also worked with renowned organizations such as the World Bank, ETS, and the Australian Government's Behavioural Economics Team, where her insights contributed to real-world policy and educational advancements.
Spotlight on Research
Klugman’s research delves into the intersections of data science and education, with a particular focus on how statistical methods can enhance educational measurement. Her work, published in Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice among other prestigious journals, and presented at conferences, including the International Association of Statistics Education, explores innovative approaches to assessing educational outcomes, ensuring that data-driven decisions are both reliable and meaningful.
Klugman's Research and Academic Interests
Outside of classrooms, Klugman enjoys baking treats, sipping tea, playing volleyball, and hosting board game nights with her friends.
As Boston College continues to expand its influence in the growing field of data science, Klugman’s role as an educator and leader, with her diverse experiences and innovative thinking, will enrich the program and offer data science students an ethical lens through which to view the field.