Researchers and students at Cal State LA, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Data Team, have developed an innovative data visualization tool. This project not only serves the community by offering insights into neighborhood crime trends but also functions as a crucial platform for students to hone their career tools. The collaboration provided real-world experience, equipping students with essential skills applicable to various data science careers, a testament to Cal State LA’s commitment to career readiness.
Previously, crime data was organized by Los Angeles Police Department reporting districts, which didn’t align with neighborhood boundaries, making it difficult for residents to understand local crime patterns. The Cal State LA team, working closely with the city’s Data Team, transformed this data, analyzing crime trends at the neighborhood level all the way back to 2010. According to Eva Pereira, Chief Data Officer for the City of Los Angeles, this transformation provides “critical information that will help residents better understand long-term crime trends in their communities.” This project exemplifies how academic initiatives at Cal State LA, particularly in data analysis, translate into tangible benefits for the local community while simultaneously serving as invaluable career tools for students involved.
The project was made possible through funding from PIC Math (Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Science), a program supported by the National Science Foundation. PIC Math emphasizes engaging mathematical sciences students in real-world research problems to prepare them for diverse careers. Professor Jie Zhong, assistant professor of mathematics at Cal State LA, highlighted this project as “another successful collaboration” since the program’s inception in spring 2022. He emphasized that through such projects, students not only develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, but also deliver meaningful scientific analysis that directly benefits local communities. This hands-on experience is a cornerstone of the career tools Cal State LA provides, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application in future careers.
The web application developed by Zhong and his students, accessible online, allows users to explore long-term crime trends across different Los Angeles neighborhoods using city crime data from 2010 to 2022. Utilizing ArcGIS Online and Socrata software, tools widely used in data visualization and business analytics, the students gained practical experience with industry-standard technologies. Students Gui He, Harshil Kotamreddy, Alvin Lew, and Alex Sherzai, under Professor Zhong’s guidance, made significant findings. Their analysis of the data revealed an overall decrease in crime in Los Angeles over the past decade, especially during the pandemic. However, they also identified a concerning increase in violent crimes, particularly homicides, in recent years. These findings underscore the importance of data-driven insights in understanding and addressing public safety concerns. For the students, this project was more than just an academic exercise; it was an opportunity to build their portfolio of career tools, demonstrating their ability to analyze complex datasets and present actionable insights.
Student Harshil Kotamreddy, a math and computer science major, noted the discrepancy between public perception and data trends, stating, “Our main finding was that overall crime in Los Angeles decreased over the past decade, and especially during the pandemic. However, we found an increase in homicides during recent years, which could be the cause of public sentiment that crime has been increasing in Los Angeles.” Alvin Lew, a computer science major, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with the L.A. City’s Data Team and the practical nature of the project. He stated, “Our team was highly interested in analyzing trends within our city, and the project’s practicality made for a great overall experience.” This sentiment resonates with the core mission of Cal State LA in providing students with practical, career-relevant experiences. The project served as a valuable stepping stone, enhancing their analytical and collaborative skills—essential career tools that will serve them well in their future endeavors within data science and related fields.
In conclusion, the data visualization project undertaken by Cal State LA researchers and students is a powerful example of how academic research can intersect with community needs while simultaneously cultivating essential career tools for students. By engaging in real-world data analysis and problem-solving, these students have gained invaluable experience, making them highly competitive candidates in the job market. Cal State LA’s commitment to providing these kinds of hands-on, impactful learning opportunities ensures that its graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills and experience necessary to thrive in their chosen careers.
