UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science Announces Dr. Jason Windett as New Director of Research

The School of Data Science (SDS) at UNC Charlotte is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jason Windett as its new Director of Research. He is taking over the role from Dr. Dongsong Zhang, the new Interim Executive Director for the School.  Dr. Windett joined UNC Charlotte in 2017, a joint appointment as a Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, School of Data Science, and Public Policy Ph.D. Program. Dr. Windett’s leadership will be instrumental in propelling the SDS forward as a premier center for data science research. 

Leading the Way in Data Science Research

In this role, he will oversee the SDS Seed Grant program and research awards, which foster research by both established and early-career faculty. He will also be responsible for cultivating interdisciplinary partnerships within the School, across the University, and with external academic and industry partners.

Building Bridges and Expanding Collaboration

“I am excited to join the School of Data Science as the Director of Research,” Dr. Windett said. “I look forward to working with faculty, students, and members of the broader university community to push the School’s research profile to be amongst the top in the country. As the school begins its next chapter, I hope to build lasting relationships within our new college, as well as continue to grow those built in the previous five years.”

A Scholar in American Politics

Dr. Windett’s primary area of research is in American politics and policy. His research engages in the dynamic process of representation in the American state with a focus on issues of identity politics, elections, and the institutional influences of elite political behavior. His research agenda is anchored by computational and methodological innovations that can enrich our understanding of the processes of policy-making and political behavior in American states.  Dr. Windett’s work has been published in prestigious journals such as the American Journal of Political Science, Political Analysis, and Public Opinion Quarterly. He has also received multiple grants from the National Science Foundation to support his research on state courts of last resort and policy diffusion.

Interested in Partnering with the School of Data Science? The School of Data Science is a pioneer in the Carolinas, offering the first program of its kind in the region. The SDS’s interdisciplinary mission reflects the diverse applications of data science.  We combine expertise from across multiple colleges, including Business, Computing, Engineering, and Health, to address complex theoretical and applied research questions. Interested in learning more about the School and our dynamic research agenda?  Contact Dr. Jason Windett.