In today's digital era, the importance of data analysis and its applications in various fields cannot be overstated. At the heart of this revolution lies ALPHACA, a vibrant and diverse student group at KDI School of Public Policy and Management. With a name inspired by the charismatic alpaca, ALPHACA aims to bring together students interested in data science and its applications in the social science and policy domains. 

Alphacas 

AL - R 

PHA- Python

CA - Stata

(True hidden story behind the name: When Dohui made the club name, there was an alpaca doll in her room. That’s the reason we have a data-scientist group named “Alphaca” actually.; ) )

The ALPHACA student group was founded by Kim Dohui (김도희), an MPP student and soon-to-be graduate of KDI School. As one of the main founders, Dohui's vision and dedication have played a crucial role in establishing ALPHACA as a thriving community. Dohui brings a warm heart and a willingness to help others in the pursuit of their data science aspirations. Dohui's leadership and passion for data science have set the tone for ALPHACA's activities and goals. 

Let me delve into the spirit of ALPHACA first. ALPHACA embraces the spirit of exploration, learning, and collaboration. Its members, hailing from diverse nations, create a unique multicultural environment that fosters creativity and innovation. With a shared passion for data science, ALPHACA members engage in various activities to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and contribute to the community.

The student club builds technical proficiency as it focuses on honing technical skills vital in the data science realm. Through workshops and tutorials, members immerse themselves in popular programming languages, such as Python, R, and STATA. These languages empower students to handle large datasets, perform statistical analysis, and develop machine learning models. Dohui “I believe that mastering such tools equips students with essential skills applicable to diverse career paths and research opportunities”.

While ALPHACA emphasizes technical expertise, it also recognizes the importance of outdoor activities and building a strong sense of community. Members regularly organize outdoor events to foster friendships and strengthen bonds within the group. One of our group members and KDI School student Michael mentioned that “picnics, digging for shells on the beach, team-building exercises, and networking sessions create a very supportive and inclusive environment where students can grow both personally and professionally”.

ALPHACA is particularly passionate about exploring the intersection of data science and social science and policy fields. Members engage in research projects, applying data-driven approaches to tackle complex societal challenges. By using advanced analytics, ALPHACA aims to provide evidence-based insights that inform policy decisions and contribute to the betterment of society.

ALPHACA offers a plethora of resources to facilitate the growth and development of its members. Recently, ALPHACA had a workshop on Structured Query Language (SQL) focusing on building their own database system using DBeaver. Their goal is to implement a project that involves mapping all the ALPHACA members and creating a unified database encompassing information from their respective countries. They will meet regularly throughout the semester, leveraging their collective expertise and SQL knowledge to successfully complete the project. 

ALPHACA, the data science student group at the KDI School, is a vibrant and inclusive community that brings together students from diverse backgrounds to explore the potential of data science in social science and policy fields. By fostering technical proficiency, engaging in outdoor activities, and providing a wealth of resources, ALPHACA empowers its members to make meaningful contributions to society. 

As an ALPHACA member, I am happy to be part of this vibrant community of knowledge-driven students who share the same vision and goals. It is truly inspiring to collaborate with fellow ALPHACA and contribute to the advancement of data science in social science and policy fields. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our amazing President, Kim Dohui, for her exceptional leadership and dedication. Together, we are shaping the future of data science and making a positive impact in our respective fields. 

Thank you, dear ALPHACA’s, for being part of this incredible journey.