Franklin University Announces Winners of DataFest 2026 Campus Competition

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Student teams recognized for excellence in data analytics, visualization, and real-world problem solving

Franklin University is proud to announce the winners of its DataFest 2026 campus competition, part of the national American Statistical Association DataFest program, where universities across the country host their own high-intensity data analytics events. 

While DataFest is a national initiative, each participating institution conducts its own competition using a shared real-world dataset, giving students the opportunity to apply data analysis, storytelling, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced, experiential environment that mirrors today’s data-driven workplaces. 

At Franklin University, seven student teams competed over an intensive weekend, analyzing a complex dataset and presenting insights to a panel of industry expert judges. Working under compressed timelines, students engaged in rapid problem framing, data cleansing, model selection, and executive-level presentation, reflecting how analytics work happens in real organizations. 

One of the great learning experiences come from working with an expert mentor during this competition. Each team had a mentor. Mentors are volunteers from industry, academia or Franklin alumni. It would be valuable to mention this briefly

Fact Box: Franklin University DataFest 2026
•    Event: DataFest 2026 (Franklin University campus competition) 
•    National Program: American Statistical Association DataFest 
•    Format: Local university-hosted competitions using shared datasets 
•    Participants: 7 Franklin student teams 
•    Awards: Best in Show, Best Visualization 
•    Skills Demonstrated: Data analysis, data visualization, storytelling, collaboration 
•    Learning Model: High-intensity, real-world dataset analysis under time constraints 
•    Outcome: Workforce-ready graduates with applied analytics and AI-enabled capabilities 

Best in Show: FiveFold Analytics
The Best in Show award recognizes the team that demonstrated the strongest overall performance across analysis, insight development, and presentation.

Winner: FiveFold Analytics
•    Sai Divya Desuri, Major: Health Informatics
•    Ange Erika Kengne Heukoua, Major: Analytics
•    Shrutika Nitin More, Major: Information Tech
•    Philile Sikhakhane, Major: Information Tech
•    Prasuna Vunnam, Major: Information Tech

FiveFold Analytics stood out for their ability to transform complex data into clear, actionable insights, combining technical rigor with compelling storytelling, hallmarks of real-world, workforce-ready analytics professionals. 

Best Visualization: Team 3
The Best Visualization award honors the team that most effectively communicated insights through data visualization and storytelling.

Winner: Team 3
•    Matthieu Kabemba (Business Analytics)
•    Jamie Ochs (Business Administration)
•    Malaika Reid (Data Analytics)

Team 3 distinguished itself by creating visualizations that not only presented data clearly, but also told a compelling story, making complex insights accessible, engaging, and decision-ready. 

Experiential Learning That Reflects the Real World
DataFest at Franklin University immerses students in the kind of fast-paced, high-stakes environment where modern professionals must analyze, collaborate, and deliver meaningful insights in real time. 

“Experiences like DataFest reflect exactly how today’s professionals are expected to work, collaboratively, under pressure, and with real stakes,” said Dr. Nimet Alpay, department chair, Technology, Analytics and Mathematics. “Our students didn’t just analyze data; they asked better questions, challenged assumptions, and communicated insights in ways that matter to organizations.” 

Judges reinforced this perspective, noting the high quality of work across teams, including strong analytical thinking, thoughtful data preparation, and effective communication of insights—even within a compressed timeframe.

Why It Matters
Events like DataFest reinforce Franklin University’s commitment to workforce-aligned, experiential learning and measurable career outcomes.
Students don’t just learn analytics, they demonstrate it.

By participating in hands-on competitions like DataFest, Franklin students build:
•    Real-world data analysis experience 
•    AI-enabled problem-solving skills 
•    The ability to communicate insights to decision-makers 

“Events like DataFest are a proving ground,” said Dr. Todd Whittaker, assistant dean, Computing Sciences and Mathematics. “Students leave with more than academic understanding. They leave with evidence of their ability to solve complex, real-world problems using data, collaboration, and AI-enhanced tools.” 

These are the capabilities employers are actively seeking in today’s data-driven economy.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).