Rappa to Big Data Commission

Distinguished University Professor Michael Rappa, founding director of the Institute for Advanced Analytics, has been named co-chair of the TechAmerica Foundation’s Big Data Commission. The commission is developing recommendations for how the government should handle the mountains of data being created at a lightening pace. Ninety percent of all the data that has ever existed was created in the past two years.

“Enhancing our ability to leverage big data will drive greater efficiency and productivity across the U.S. government,” Rappa said. “Big data analytics is an imperative for virtually every federal agency, from Health and Human Services to Defense and Homeland Security. Having the requisite talent is critical. Universities must do their part to step-up and address the acute shortage of data scientists. The commission’s work is important and timely and I am delighted to participate.”

Rappa was principal architect of NC State’s pioneering Master of Science in Analytics degree, which is preparing a new generation of data-savvy professionals for leadership in a digital world.