In This Story
Students who want to explore how technology can drive social change are invited to take part in Datathon, a one-day, hands-on workshop hosted by DataStorm, a student-led organization in George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government.
DataStorm introduces an intersection of technology and public policy and is a multidisciplinary, student-led registered student organization (RSO) at George Mason that is committed to engaging students in legal systems, advocacy, and civic technology.
Datathon is a daylong intensive workshop open to all George Mason students who are interested in exploring public policy and use of technology. The event will introduce students to new avenues for tracking data, implementing platforms, and creating policy based on their findings, with an overarching theme of “Data Transformation.” The theme encompasses DataStorm’s mission of building an environment designed to make a difference in the policy world through data and advocacy.
Datathon takes place Saturday, November 8, in the Gold Room at the Johnson Center on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus. The robust itinerary begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m., with meals and snacks provided throughout the day. The registration link can be found at this webpage.
Students will have opportunities to participate in workshops analyzing real-world data and uncover insights into how fines and fees shape our legal system. Through hands-on workshops, students will learn techniques in data tracking and visualization, transforming complex information into powerful stories and policy insights.
Participants will dive into web scraping projects, pulling information directly from public criminal justice statutes to identify trends and propose data-driven policy recommendations.
Throughout the event, students will connect with leaders in government and tech who are using data to drive change—offering inspiration, networking opportunities, and pathways into cutting-edge fields.
Schar School affiliate faculty member Tauheeda Yasin, director of the Office of Community Safety in Prince William County, Virginia, founded the datathon model in 2023 and started DataStorm upon her arrival at George Mason in 2024. The student organization was founded by government and international politics student Tabor Blake. Blake graduated in spring 2025 and continues to work with the group.
The organization’s primary mission is to create the first artificial intelligence-enabled web tool—known as DataStorm—that will track monetary penalties and gauge the impact on those who pay them.
In creating the tool, the volunteer students behind DataStorm are eager to build a community that shapes members into leaders for the world of public policy through integrated opportunities in workshops, events, and professional collaborations. For the last two years, the project has connected faculty-led programs such as the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP) and the applied research and infrastructure studio Legal Systems and Policy Lab to get hands-on experience in social innovation and advocacy.
The organization is already seeing student-driven successes.
“DataStorm’s cross-collaboration with URAP has allowed me to gain meaningful skills in data tracking, leadership, and communication,” said DataStorm Outreach Coordinator Guiselle Delgadillo, a junior in the Schar School’s international security and law undergraduate program. “As someone who has been a part of the project for almost two years, the work we do has opened doors for me in incredible ways. I highly encourage interested students to attend the November 8 event to get valuable skills and be a part of a transformative RSO.”
While policy majors may be drawn to Datathon, computer and data science major Harun Khan said students with technology, computer, and engineering majors also benefit from the experience.
“It’s important for tech students to get involved in policy and advocacy because it helps make the most of the technology that is being built,” he said. “Educating students in general is how we can make the most of growing technology and adapt in the world.”
Ayanna Martinez, a government and international politics major in the Schar School, said “students should join Datathon because it’s a good opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals, build your skills, and advance your career through the learning of AI usage and research. It is important now to be the most equipped for changing times.”