Data Science

Data Integration, Harmonization, and Complex Analytics

Westat achieves effective and efficient data integration and harmonization of data from disparate sources; processes data of varying file formats, naming conventions, and columns; and transforms them into a cohesive data set. These data are then available for streamlined analyses based on a common standard. We also lead the field in providing complex analytical services, using cutting-edge techniques rooted in principles and best practices of data science. We work to empower data through advanced analytics, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI).

Data Science Infrastructure

With a focus on modernization and innovation, Westat offers data acquisition, management and dissemination solutions that emphasize automation, quality, timeliness, and security.  By harmonizing data, applying common data models and standards, linking with external data sources, and applying novel data science techniques we enhance the utility of the data and enable deeper analytics.

Data Visualization

Westat develops cutting-edge visual analytics using the scientific principles of visual data communication. In developing visualizations, our aim is to provide clients with actionable insights into their data, inform data collection procedures, and support decisionmaking. Our data experts use data visualization techniques to track and report on progress in large-scale surveys, interactively analyze geospatial epidemiological data, illustrate student growth and progress toward educational achievement indicators, and consistently monitor performance across research sites in clinical trials.

Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis

Westat data scientists can optimize any study tasks. We’ve used geospatial relationships to enrich data frames and deliverables, employing spatial data to drive data collection logic, generating maps to visualize data, and automating the identification and collection of travel with GPS and geolocation data from smartphones. We’ve also combined epidemiological and environmental data to plan field activities in a post-COVID-19 world.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Westat’s data science team includes experts from statistics, computer science, and communications. We work with clients to determine where machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied to expand data utility and discovery as well as to maximize the efficiency and quality of project operations. We work with clients to define research questions, collect and integrate data, and apply a range of unsupervised and supervised ML algorithms to understand patterns in the data or to predict outcomes of interest.

Natural Language Processing and Text Analytics

Using both traditional and cutting-edge deep learning techniques, Westat data scientists implement natural language processing (NLP) aimed at training computers to understand and process human languages. Whether faced with written or spoken language, our NLP experts foster contextual understanding of content to help clients effectively process data and develop appropriate solutions to the challenges they face.