Showcasing DSI/CyVerse at Behind BIO5
The Data Science Institute and CyVerse participated in the 2025 Behind BIO5 event to highlight the growing role of AI tools and data science in interdisciplinary research at the University of Arizona. Held on April 3rd in and around the BIO5 Institute building, the Behind BIO5 event invited the campus and local communities to explore how collaborative research is addressing some of today’s most pressing health challenges.
Photo by Lily Howe
Fourteen guided tours took place across the Keating, MRN, and BSRL buildings, many of which saw returning participants eager to explore more. The KEYS High School Internship Showcase featured 15 alumni who presented their research posters that offered a glimpse into the future of science. Five fireside chats in Keating 103 offered faculty insights. Sixteen interactive tables kept guests engaged with the innovative work that happens daily behind the scenes at the BIO5 Institute.
DSI Director Nirav Merchant was one of five featured speakers in the fireside chat series. His session drew considerable interest, offering insight into how the institute is advancing AI tools and data science infrastructure, training, and collaborative research.
The DSI/CyVerse table drew lots of attention to learn more about the U of A DataLab workshops that are offered each semester. The workshops help researchers learn how to build AI and data literacy and support faculty, students, and researchers in applying data science methods to their work. The table saw strong engagement throughout the evening as many attendees expressed interest in DSI and CyVerse and signed up to subscribe to The Data Drip, the DSI e-newsletter.
One of the most talked-about activities was the AI Zone, where there was a demonstration focused on segmentation in research. The presentation offered a hands-on look at how AI is being used to accelerate discovery and improve analysis across various research areas. Attendees were particularly interested in the practical applications of AI tools and how they can be integrated into existing research workflows.
Photo by Deanna Rodriguez
Attendees also learned about Soteria, the U of A’s secure data and analysis enclave. Soteria supports research involving sensitive datasets by providing a compliant environment for working with Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). It enables research teams to perform advanced analysis while maintaining strict data privacy and security standards.
Behind BIO5 offered a valuable platform for the Data Science Institute and CyVerse to engage with the campus and broader community, reinforcing its commitment to enabling ethical, impactful, and forward-looking AI tools and data science at the University of Arizona.