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Fueling research through data science

SMU is already engaged in multiple active data science research projects across campus, including analyzing student achievement and learning lag in K–12 students; investigating drug design compounds to combat COVID-19 and forms of cancer; developing better predictive mechanisms for natural disasters; and studying cost-effective decision making and economic viability for national, state and local arts and culture agencies.

The institute director will be critical in aggregating data science expertise across the University’s eight schools. Reporting to the provost, the director will support data science research initiatives across SMU’s campus as an interdisciplinary academic leader.

“Artificial intelligence and machine learning have emerged as powerful tools that are transforming how we do research, make decisions and engage creativity. The O’Donnell Director of the Data Science Institute will work across disciplines to lead the University’s faculty in applying the power of big data toward societally impactful exploration,” said Elizabeth G. Loboa, SMU provost. “We are grateful to the O’Donnell Foundation for their investment in the Data Science Institute and its power to advance SMU into the next level of nationally recognized universities.”

The Data Science Institute also serves as the gateway to SMU’s high-performance computing ecosystem, which recently took a giant leap forward through a collaboration with accelerated computing leader NVIDIA. The University is investing $11.5 million in hardware, software and training to strengthen the University’s artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure with an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD. The powerful new system will give SMU faculty, students and research partners the ability to integrate world-leading AI technology across a wide array of research disciplines. The Peter O’Donnell, Jr. Director of the Data Science Institute at SMU will play a key role in focusing and guiding these resources. The new faculty member will also be a driver in the University’s pursuit of the top R1 research status as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

“SMU is grateful for the O’Donnell Foundation’s investment in shaping world changers by supporting bold leadership and innovative data science programming,” said Brad E. Cheves, vice president for Development and External Affairs. “Fueled by the NVIDIA partnership and this endowed directorship from the O’Donnell Foundation, the Data Science Institute is poised to become a leader in pioneering research.”

A commitment to community

A Dallas native, Peter O’Donnell, Jr. dedicated his life to bettering his community and his state through service in the military, nonprofit and political sectors. A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South in 1947, O’Donnell went on to receive an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania following his naval service during World War II. After his military service, O’Donnell went on to serve as the state chairman of the Republican Party (1962–1969) and on the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (1981–1985).

Upon his return to his hometown, O’Donnell spent the remainder of his life focusing on improving education, supporting the arts and actively working in politics in Dallas and throughout the state of Texas. He and wife Edith Jones O’Donnell, who passed away in 2020, founded the O’Donnell Foundation in 1957, which seeks to improve STEM education by building model programs to better enhance and develop teaching and learning in Texas. The foundation also supports Advanced Placement programs in math, science, English and art, as well as higher education arts programming.

In 2005, O’Donnell was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served on the Presidents’ Circle of the National Academy of Sciences. A founding member of the Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas, O’Donnell also founded Laying the Foundation and the Advanced Placement Incentive Program, which seeks to increase the participation of low-income students in Advanced Placement courses and tests.

The O’Donnells’ commitment and service to SMU ran long and deep. Peter O’Donnell, Jr. served as a member of the Board of Trustees (1973–1981), the Board of Governors (1974–1981) and on the Lyle School of Engineering Executive Board (1990–1991). In 2008, honoring their incredible contributions to education and art, Peter and Edith O’Donnell were granted the degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, an honor only granted to those who have exhibited remarkable philanthropy through contributions to humanitarian and charitable causes. The O’Donnell Foundation itself was awarded the Mustang Award in 2014. And Peter O’Donnell, Jr.’s relationship with the University was further strengthened through his support of programs across SMU, including SMU-in-Taos, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and Meadows School of the Arts.