DATA
SCIENCE
FOR ALL!
"I’ve really enjoyed my experience with The Data Mine. It’s definitely met, and even exceeded, my expectations. I’ve had the chance to contribute meaningfully, build new skills, and collaborate with a great team. I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students, especially those interested in data science, cybersecurity, or research-focused internships."
- Wyatt H., Pikes Peak State College
DATA
SCIENCE
FOR ALL!
"I’ve really enjoyed my experience with The Data Mine. It’s definitely met, and even exceeded, my expectations. I’ve had the chance to contribute meaningfully, build new skills, and collaborate with a great team. I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students, especially those interested in data science, cybersecurity, or research-focused internships."
- Wyatt H., Pikes Peak State College
Apply Today!
Accepting Fall 2025 Applications!
Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR) applications will be accepted until slots are filled. Preferential review will be given to applications received by Tuesday, August 12, 2025, no later than 5:00 PM MDT.
Ready to apply? Complete your application.
Interested but not ready to apply? Complete our student interest form.
Apply Today!
Accepting Fall
2025 Applications!
Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR) applications will be accepted until slots are filled. Preferential review will be given to applications received by Tuesday, August 12, 2025, no later than 5:00 PM MDT.
Ready to apply? Complete your application.
Interested but not ready to apply? Complete our student interest form.
Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR) is a cutting-edge data science initiative inspired by Purdue University’s acclaimed The Data Mine. Tailored for students across the Rocky Mountain Region, DMR brings academia, industry, and government together with students from colleges and universities in the Mountain West through collaborative, real-world projects in data science, AI, and machine learning.
Open to students from all majors and backgrounds, DMR emphasizes hands-on learning – Data Science for All. Student participants work in interdisciplinary teams on sponsored projects from sectors such as defense, aerospace, and technology—gaining mentorship, technical skills, and professional experience.
Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR) is a cutting-edge data science initiative inspired by Purdue University’s acclaimed The Data Mine. Tailored for students across the Rocky Mountain Region, DMR brings academia, industry, and government together with students from colleges and universities in the Mountain West through collaborative, real-world projects in data science, AI, and machine learning.
Open to students from all majors and backgrounds, DMR emphasizes hands-on learning – Data Science for All. Student participants work in interdisciplinary teams on sponsored projects from sectors such as defense, aerospace, and technology—gaining mentorship, technical skills, and professional experience.
INTERESTED?
Join the growing list of data enthusiasts!
Be the first to know when applications open for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026!
Have questions?
Contact us at info@dataminerockies.org
INTERESTED?
Join the growing list of data enthusiasts!
Be the first to know when applications open for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026!
Have questions?
Contact us at info@dataminerockies.org
KEY FEATURES
Project-based learning with real-world impact!
Partnerships with 8 Rocky Mountain institutions, including: UCCS, CU Boulder, Metro State Denver, Ft. Lewis College, and Pikes Peak State College.*
No prior coding or data science experience required—just curiosity and commitment!
DMR is open to students from any major!
DMR is a fully virtual format.
DMR hosts two annual Symposiums to highlight students, their projects, and their real-world solutions.
The Fall Symposium is a virtual event.
The Spring Symposium is presented in partnership with the Space Information Dominance Expo (S.I.D.E.), offering an in-person showcase aligned with industry leaders AI/ML from academia, industry, and government.
*Don’t see your school on the list but interested in participating in DMR? Contact us at info@dataminerockies.org
"I've had a great experience and learned a lot working with the Data Mine of the Rockies. I would most definitely love to participate with other research teams in The Data Mine going forward. I would completely recommend DMR to students that want a chance to work with others on meaningful projects. It's been a pleasure working with everyone, from my team mates to our industry sponsors."
- Jack F., Ft. Lewis College
KEY FEATURES
Project-based learning with real-world impact!
Partnerships with 8 Rocky Mountain institutions, including: UCCS, CU Boulder, Metro State Denver, Ft. Lewis College, and Pikes Peak State College.*
No prior coding or data science experience required—just curiosity and commitment!
DMR is open to students from any major!
DMR is a fully virtual format.
DMR hosts two annual Symposiums to highlight students, their projects, and their real-world solutions.
The Fall Symposium is a virtual event.
The Spring Symposium is presented in partnership with the Space Information Dominance Expo (S.I.D.E.), offering an in-person showcase aligned with industry leaders AI/ML from academia, industry, and government.
"I've had a great experience and learned a lot working with the Data Mine of the Rockies. I would most definitely love to participate with other research teams in The Data Mine going forward.
I would completely recommend DMR to students that want a chance to work with others on meaningful projects. It's been a pleasure working with everyone, from my team mates to our industry sponsors."
- Jack F., Ft. Lewis College
*Don’t see your school on the list but interested in participating in DMR? Contact us at info@dataminerockies.org
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
Student expectations include:
Time commitment of 8 – 10 hours/week for both the Fall and Spring semesters. Each project is one full academic year, unless otherwise noted.
Coursework and meetings including:
The Data Mine at Purdue University Seminar, a one-hour course offered by Purdue University online.
Each Academic Partner may execute DMR differently. To get more information, we suggest contacting your academic advisor. If additional information is still required, please e-mail info@dataminerockies.org.
One, one-hour weekly meeting with your Project Partner Mentor (Mentor Time).
One, two-hour weekly meeting with TA and project Teammates (Lab Time).
Regular product briefings and reports, including regular team interactions.
Participation in the Fall and Spring DMR Symposiums, held at the end of each semester.
"The Data Mine has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had — I’ve gained valuable skills, connected with great people, and truly enjoyed the program." - Kelvin B., Ft. Lewis College, 2024-2025 DMR Student
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
Student expectations include:
Time commitment of 10 – 12 hours/week for both the Fall and Spring semesters. Each project is one full academic year, unless otherwise noted.
Coursework and meetings including:
The Data Mine at Purdue University Seminar, a one-hour course offered by Purdue University online.
A 3-hour course offered by your home university.
Two weekly meetings with your Project Partner and teammates.
Regular product briefings and reports, including regular team interactions.
Participation in the Fall and Spring DMR Symposiums, held at the end of each semester.
"The Data Mine has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had — I’ve gained valuable skills, connected with great people, and truly enjoyed the program." - Kelvin B., Ft. Lewis College, 2024-2025 DMR Student
Apply Today!
VIRTUAL FORMAT
DMR is almost fully virtual, allowing students from different campuses to collaborate remotely. This format expands access and mirrors the collaborative, tech-enabled environment of modern data science work.
Some activities may require students to be in-person, such as the The Annual DMR Symposium, any tours or meetings at the project sponsor’s place of employment, and some classes, at the discretion of your university.
VIRTUAL FORMAT
DMR is almost fully virtual, allowing students from different campuses to collaborate remotely. This format expands access and mirrors the collaborative, tech-enabled environment of modern data science work.
Some activities may require students to be in-person, such as the The Annual DMR Symposium, any tours or meetings at the project sponsor’s place of employment, and some classes, at the discretion of your university.
INSIDE DMR PROJECTS
Every DMR project connects students with real-world data challenges from industry, government, nonprofits, or corporate partners. Students work in teams, guided by mentors, to explore, analyze, and create solutions that make a real impact. From cleaning messy data to uncovering insights and presenting results, each project offers hands-on experience that builds skills and career confidence. Here are some examples of previous projects …
Satellite Data Analysis for Space Operations Detection Students worked with aerospace sponsors to analyze satellite telemetry and orbital data, helping improve situational awareness and anomaly.
Cybersecurity Threat Modeling Teams collaborated with defense organizations to develop machine learning models that detect and classify cyber threats using real-world network traffic data.
AI for Predictive Maintenance in Defense Systems Using sensor data from military equipment, students built predictive models to forecast maintenance needs, reducing downtime and improving operational readiness.
Natural Language Processing for Intelligence Analysis Participants applied NLP techniques to extract insights from large volumes of unstructured text data, supporting decision-making in national security contexts.
Geospatial Data Visualization for Emergency Response Students created interactive dashboards using GIS and public safety data to support disaster preparedness and response planning.
Social Media Sentiment Analysis for Public Policy Teams analyzed social media trends to understand public sentiment on key policy issues, helping sponsors make data-informed decisions.
INSIDE DMR PROJECTS
Every DMR project connects students with real-world data challenges from industry, government, nonprofits, or corporate partners. Students work in teams, guided by mentors, to explore, analyze, and create solutions that make a real impact.
From cleaning messy data to uncovering insights and presenting results, each project offers hands-on experience that builds skills and career confidence. Here are some examples of previous projects.
Satellite Data Analysis for Space Operations Detection Students worked with aerospace sponsors to analyze satellite telemetry and orbital data, helping improve situational awareness and anomaly.
Cybersecurity Threat Modeling Teams collaborated with defense organizations to develop machine learning models that detect and classify cyber threats using real-world network traffic data.
AI for Predictive Maintenance in Defense Systems Using sensor data from military equipment, students built predictive models to forecast maintenance needs, reducing downtime and improving operational readiness.
Natural Language Processing for Intelligence Analysis Participants applied NLP techniques to extract insights from large volumes of unstructured text data, supporting decision-making in national security contexts.
Geospatial Data Visualization for Emergency Response Students created interactive dashboards using GIS and public safety data to support disaster preparedness and response planning.
Social Media Sentiment Analysis for Public Policy Teams analyzed social media trends to understand public sentiment on key policy issues, helping sponsors make data-informed decisions.