Bruce Adams (Grainger College of Engineering)
September 3, 2025
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Karle Flanagan and Wade Fagen Ulmschneider

Through the innovative X + Data Science (X + DS) program, Grainger Engineering's Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider and affiliate Karle Flanagan are preparing thousands of Illinois students to shape the future of technology, business and society through the power of data.

The X + DS program at Illinois is transforming how students across disciplines engage with data by pairing traditional majors with foundational data science coursework. Launched in 2019 with 18 students, the X + DS program now serves thousands of students each year, with record enrollments in the flagship CS/STAT 107: Data Science Discovery course. Co-taught by Karle Flanagan (Statistics) and Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider (Computer Science), the program combines real-world, project-driven learning with interdisciplinary applications, preparing students from over 90 majors to thrive in a data-driven world.

Read the full story from the Grainger College of Engineering to learn more about the growth and impact of X + DS at Illinois.

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