Hiring Clinical Faculty for 2024: Interview with CDS Clinical Assistant Professor Louis Mittel
In the realm of higher education, few fields are evolving as rapidly and radically as data science. This evolution demands not just theoretical expertise but a dedicated commitment to practical, hands-on teaching. Enter the Clinical Faculty Position at CDS, a role designed to bridge the gap between data science theory and its real-world application.
The role involves teaching and coordinating three entry and advanced-level courses each semester, among other responsibilities. Applications for the clinical faculty position are open until April 1, 2024. For those with a strong background in data science and a passion for teaching, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to and shape the burgeoning field of data science at one of the world’s leading data science programs.
In a lightly edited interview, current Clinical Assistant Professor Louis Mittel provided insights into the unique nature of this position and his journey within the center.
What most appealed to you about the position at CDS and what makes it special?
CDS stands out for its interdisciplinary nature and the excitement it buzzes with. What cinched the deal for me was the team; the sense of possibility, opportunity, and growth here is palpable. I’ve been extremely impressed with the support and resources available for personal and professional development.
How would you define a clinical faculty member at NYU, and how does the workload differ from non-clinical faculty?
A clinical faculty member primarily focuses on teaching, which is a distinctive NYU definition. The load for this position is about three courses a semester. It’s intense but incredibly rewarding.
Can you share the most rewarding aspects of your role?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is guiding students from a state of confusion to clarity in the realm of data science. The concepts within data science and statistics are inherently challenging at first. (The fields haven’t done themselves any favors in setting up notation and definitions to be naturally easy to learn. But that’s how it is with new fields!) However, once the underlying reasoning clicks, it opens the door to a powerful way of thinking that is both useful (in academic and professional endeavors) and intellectually satisfying.
Can you share the most challenging aspects of your role?
The challenge lies in teaching to a cohort of students from diverse backgrounds; diverse both in the knowledge they come in with and their academic interests alongside data science: journalism to physics to fashion. Also, data science is a new and evolving field with non-standardized material.
What’s something you’ve learned during your time as clinical faculty that pleasantly surprised you?
The ambition and eagerness of students to engage in research have been striking. Also, the location of NYU — and CDS specifically — in the heart of the city adds an invigorating energy to our work, fostering collaboration and innovation.
What’s the greatest benefit of being a clinical faculty member?
I would say it’s that you’re deeply involved in teaching and shaping the trajectories of students in a field as pivotal as data science. Equipping them with a strong, clear foundation is a powerful and fulfilling task.
What advice do you have for someone stepping into this position?
Be inquisitive and confident. It might seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly get the hang of the various systems and software needed for teaching. It’s a great position for those passionate about teaching and data science.
Lastly, are there any other elements about the role that you would like to emphasize?
One element is, there’s an opportunity to design an elective course. Cool! The other element is that we are open to hiring from many different fields, including psychology, statistics, computer science, math, or any field hat has a significant intersection with data science.
By Stephen Thomas
