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Assistant Professor of Computer Science Eric Autry and his students Maria Rodriguez ’26 and Linda Jing ’26 recently presented their research findings on systemic biases at the 12th annual Iowa Summit on Justice and Disparities. The findings were the result of Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) that extended the work done by Autry and his previous student MAP participants. 

In this research, Autry says he aims to use data analysis to understand systemic biases in society. This project focuses on tracking policing data in Iowa. Last year, Autry and his students made significant progress in collecting data and grappling with it to identify how disparities have manifested in police stops. Most recently, Autry says, the research has shifted from identifying these disparities toward understanding measurable effects.

“Are there disparities? The answer is a clear yes, but you also have to show how these disparities are leading to measurable damages,” Autry says. He and his students have worked to analyze and understand specific trends regarding the racial profiling that occurs during traffic stops. “Can we see specific policies or policing decisions that could be addressed to help mitigate these disparities?” Autry asks.

Both Rodriguez and Jing were drawn to Autry’s project because of their interest in applying data science and their computer science coursework to social issues. 

“At the time I applied for a research experience, I was considering changing my concentration from environmental studies to statistics to pursue my interest in data analytics, and Eric’s project was the most data-driven computer science MAP,” Rodriguez says. “It seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something I enjoyed on an important topic such as social justice. As a New Yorker who’s witnessed their fair share of policing misconduct in an urban setting, I was interested in investigating signs of racial disparities in policing in Des Moines.”

Jing shares, “As an economics and computer science major, I’ve taken some statistics courses and have always been interested in applying my computer science and statistical background to social issues with a human-focused perspective. Professor Autry’s MAP provided an opportunity for me to work with datasets that we wouldn’t typically have access to, making it a valuable and unique learning experience.”

Jing adds that their conference presentation allowed her to fully realize the impact that her work was making on people. 

“When I first started this project, I didn’t really have the context to conceptualize the impact. However, I now see the value in uncovering the stories hidden within data,” she explains. “My role is to investigate what’s happening beneath the surface from data, using my computer science and modeling skills to dig into it and ultimately present those findings in a meaningful way. How people react and what impact it has is something I hadn’t considered before, but I hope it sparks important conversations.”

Rodriguez was similarly inspired by her time spent at the conference. 

“Presenting at a conference was eye opening. Being in a room surrounded by people of different fields coming together for greater discussion taught me how we all play an important role in the fight for social justice for underrepresented groups. The work is never done, but it felt empowering knowing that it’s being done in every facet [of] our cities, from policymakers to teachers to student researchers! Attending the talks helped provide clarity on where I wanted to take my research next, new things to consider, and what’s being worked on now.”

Both Rodriguez and Jing have continued work related to their initial research with Autry last summer. Jing has continued to work with Autry to develop a formal research paper. Rodriguez, who is studying abroad for the spring 2025 semester, has since made connections with scholars conducting work adjacent to the work done with Jing and Autry. She hopes to contribute to the research paper and also to find new directions to take her research upon returning to campus.