DS/ML User Group
We’re excited to announce the launch of a new professional community designed specifically for data science and machine learning practitioners working in Texas state government. The Data Science and Machine Learning User Group is launching in 2025 to bring together the growing community of data professionals across Texas agencies.
Long term this will be hosted by TASSCC or a similar body and news and updates will be posted at a vendor neutral or state owned site.
Why This User Group Matters
Data science and machine learning practitioners are a rapidly growing group within Texas agencies, with many individuals working both inside and outside of traditional IT departments. These professionals face unique challenges in the public sector that differ significantly from private industry work. Many data scientists in state government work in isolation within their agencies, with limited opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and career development.
This user group recognizes these unique aspects of public sector data science work and aims to create a supportive community where practitioners can thrive together.
What We’re Building Together
Our Data Science and Machine Learning User Group will serve as a community hub supporting members through:
Knowledge Sharing – Create a collaborative space to share solutions, best practices, and lessons learned to accelerate learning and avoid reinventing the wheel with common challenges.
Collaboration and Networking – Connect with peers across agencies for collaborative problem-solving, brainstorming sessions, and exposure to diverse perspectives from different areas of state government.
Skill Development – Stay current with the latest tools, techniques, and trends in our rapidly evolving field through peer learning and expert presentations.
Mentorship and Support – Find guidance and mentorship opportunities with more experienced practitioners, whether you’re just starting your data science journey or looking to advance your career.
Problem-Solving – Leverage the collective intelligence of our community to crowdsource ideas and solutions from diverse minds across Texas agencies.
Innovation and Inspiration – Being around others who share your passion for data science can spark new ideas, encourage experimentation, and lead to innovative projects that might not emerge in isolation.
Advocacy and Industry Influence – Build a collective voice to drive advocacy for best practices, ethical considerations, and policy changes within the data science field in Texas state government.
2025 Goals and Structure
This user group is supported by TASSCC and industry partners, with a dedicated governing body to ensure sustainable growth and valuable programming. Our key objectives for 2025 include:
Establish Regular Meetings: Host at least two meetings in 2025 to launch the community
Create Consistent Cadence: Implement monthly lunchtime meetings to provide regular stability and convenient timing for state employees
Build Communication Infrastructure: Establish clear channels for member information, newsletters, and regular updates
Develop Governance Framework: Create transparent rules and processes for group management, session topic selection, and member engagement
Session Programming
Our programming will prioritize content most relevant to Texas state employees, with sessions structured in the following order of precedence:
Texas State Employee Presentations – Our own practitioners sharing their work, projects, and best practices from within state agencies
External Expert Presentations – UT professors, data scientists from other states, or consulting partners co-presenting with agencies
Educational Vendor Presentations – Balanced representation across platforms, with full discretion maintained by our governing body
The governing body will actively seek member feedback to ensure programming meets the community’s evolving needs and interests.
Important Note About Vendor Neutrality
We want to be clear that this is not a vendor-driven initiative. While we’re grateful to host our inaugural meeting at AWS offices, this is a one-time arrangement for our launch. All future sessions will be held at Texas state agency offices to maintain our focus on public sector needs and independence from commercial interests.
This user group exists to serve Texas state employees and advance the practice of data science and machine learning in public service.
Join Our Community
Whether you’re a seasoned data scientist, just starting your machine learning journey, or working with data in any capacity within Texas state government, we invite you to be part of this founding community. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected data science community that serves both our professional growth and our commitment to public service.
Stay tuned for details about our inaugural meeting and how to get involved. This is your opportunity to help shape a community that will support Texas state government data professionals for years to come.
For more information about joining the Data Science and Machine Learning User Group, contact sid at appliedcuriosity.ai and amberle.carter at cpa.texas.gov
Agenda: DSML User Group Information
Next Session: Networking Session August 22, 2025. Information here: Networking Session Flyer (1)