A talented group of Norco College data science students claimed the top prize in the Digital Health mini-hackathon held as part of the American Statistical Association (ASA) New York City Metro Area Chapter’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence Workshop NYC on July 20, 2025.

The full-day event, co-organized by the ASA’s NYC Metro Chapter and AI4Purpose, took place at the Cornell ILR School’s NYC Conference Center in the General Electric Building. It brought together researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to explore the latest in generative and agentic AI, machine learning, ethics, and responsible deployment practices.

A highlight of the workshop was the mini-hackathon in digital health, where student teams developed and presented AI-driven solutions to pressing challenges across sectors including healthcare, statistics, fintech, manufacturing, and ethics. Emerging victorious, the Norco College team—Tommy Deth, Mikhaela Lewis, Ryan Manuel, Kyle Shiroma, and Amine Ouaddi—impressed judges with their innovative, data-centric approach to solving a healthcare problem, showcasing the effectiveness of well-integrated statistical and AI techniques.

“Taking part in the AI4Purpose hackathon this summer provided a great opportunity for me to use data cleaning and analysis skills that I’ve learned as a data science student and gain experience in software development,” said Mikhaela. “Helping my team build Pulsepanion was rewarding because we were able to address real problems that physicians face when treating patients with complex conditions.”

The win reflects both the students’ expertise in data science and the strong preparation and mentorship available at Norco College. Recognition on this metropolitan stage underscores the team’s potential as emerging leaders in digital health innovation.

This achievement is expected to inspire Norco College community members and future students alike, serving as a reminder that bold innovation and collaboration can have a significant impact, even among a highly competitive national field.

Congratulations to the Norco College team!