Dr. LJ Zigerell, an associate professor in politics and government, has been appointed as the director of the interdisciplinary data science major at Illinois State University. In this new role, he will collaborate with faculty, staff, and students across various disciplines to enhance the program, which focuses on preparing students with essential analytical, computational, and communication skills to tackle complex real-world challenges.
Zigerell has been actively involved in the data science major since its inception, teaching courses such as Quantitative Reasoning in Political Science and Data Analysis and Data Visualization. His background in teaching and research will be critical in further developing the program, supporting student success, and fostering partnerships within the university and the broader community.
Under his leadership, the program aims to continue its growth while emphasizing an interdisciplinary education that integrates data, technology, and problem-solving.
