Learn By Doing: Students Demonstrate Talent and Real-World Impact During Datathon

Students from across Georgetown gathered for the third annual Datathon at the McDonough School of Business for a full-day, hands-on experience to apply their data skills to a meaningful, real-world challenge.

Organized by the accounting faculty and sponsored by Ernst & Young (EY) and McDonough’s AI, Analytics, and the Future of Work Initiative, the Datathon continues to grow in both scale and impact. This year, more than 150 students registered for the event, with 50 ultimately selected to participate in the final round, including 30 undergraduate and 20 graduate students. Students from across Georgetown joined the competition, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

The 2026 challenge centered on a critical and timely question: how air quality, income, and health outcomes intersect and how data can be used to better predict and prevent chronic health risks.

Students worked with complex, real-world datasets, moving from raw information to meaningful insights in just a matter of hours.

The day unfolded in two phases. In the morning, students engaged in a guided data transformation using Alteryx, learning how to clean, structure, and integrate multiple datasets. By the afternoon, the focus shifted to analysis as teams identified patterns, compared regions, and developed data-driven recommendations. The pace was fast, the expectations were high, and the level of engagement was tangible.

“The Datathon was a great experience because it combined teamwork, problem-solving, and practical learning in a fast-paced environment,” said Nick Seydel (MBA’26). “I enjoyed the challenge of working under time pressure, learning how to use Alteryx for data cleansing and analysis, and hearing professionals discuss the role data plays in their day-to-day work. “I hope the Datathon continues to grow, and more students take advantage of this event in the future.”

For many students, the Datathon served as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world application.

“Before taking Accounting 2101, I did not have a clear understanding of data analytics,” said Ilena Dang (B’28). “I really appreciate how the McDonough faculty introduce concepts beyond exams to show how they apply in real-world settings. The Datathon was both meaningful and genuinely enjoyable.”

Throughout the event, students demonstrated not only technical skills but also the ability to communicate insights clearly and work effectively as a team. Ideas were tested, refined, and strengthened through collaboration — often under tight time constraints — resulting in thoughtful and creative final presentations.

17 mentors and judges supported the competition, including Georgetown faculty and industry representatives from organizations such as EY, Workday, and others. Their guidance and feedback played a critical role in shaping the student experience, offering both technical insight and a window into how data analytics is used in practice.

Top-performing teams were recognized with monetary prizes awarded to first, second, and third-place finishers, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation to an already high-energy day.

• First Place: Shane Connolly (MBA’26), Hayeon Do (B’28), Otto Espino (B’28), Nick Seydel (MBA’26)
• Second Place: Joey Conn (MBA’28), Ilena Dang (B’28), Sai Madichetty (MBA’27), Julia Swanson (C’28)
• Third Place: Sarah Liang (B’27), Andrew Park (B’28), Marina Quinterno (B’28), Oscar Wang (MiM’26)

“The level of engagement this year was exceptional,” said Karen Kitching, teaching professor of accounting at McDonough. “Students were fully immersed in the experience of learning new tools, applying their knowledge, and challenging themselves in ways that go far beyond the classroom. It is a true win-win: students gain confidence and practical skills they can carry into their careers, and organizations get to see firsthand the depth of talent and potential our students bring.”

Now in its third year, the Datathon has become a signature experience at Georgetown – one that continues to evolve while staying grounded in its core purpose: giving students the opportunity to learn by doing.

“As participation grows and the challenges become more complex, the event remains a terrific example of how engaged, experiential learning can prepare students to make an impact in a data-driven world,” said Jason Schloetzer, associate professor and area chair of accounting and business law.