Data Devils Lab
Data Devils turns data into impact.
We partner with Arizona’s community organizations to transform how they use data to achieve mission-critical goals. Our interdisciplinary teams of graduate and undergraduate students are embedded directly within organizations, applying advanced statistical modeling, geospatial analysis, and AI techniques to uncover actionable insights from complex datasets.
For community partners, Data Devils provides enterprise-level analytical capacity and customized decision-support systems. For students, the program offers high-stakes applied learning and research at the intersection of academic excellence and measurable community impact.
Our impact
Data Devils collaborations have generated:
- Peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Interactive geospatial dashboards
- Policy reports and methodological tools
- Documented improvements in organizational effectiveness
Together, we are positioning Arizona’s nonprofits as national leaders in data-driven practice—while establishing Arizona State University as the premier hub for socially embedded quantitative research training.
Partners & Impact
- Co-developed an interactive geospatial dashboard mapping food insecurity across Arizona.
- Packed Boxes and Loaded Cars with food.
- Analyzed how COVID-19 reshaped food security patterns, helping adjust distribution strategies.
- Co-authored a peer-reviewed publication (under review).
- Shared findings at national food systems and policy conferences.
- Produced a policy report on SNAP and WIC benefit accessibility near Arizona’s three largest public university campuses.
- Offered actionable recommendations to improve student food security at the state level.
- Mapped service coverage gaps in under-served communities.
- Guided strategic expansion into the West Valley, northern Arizona, and the Coolidge–Maricopa corridor.
- Served as donation sorting volunteers.
- Conducted cost-benefit analysis showing the effectiveness of mobile services.
- Designed methodology recommendations for measuring food insecurity.
- Equipped ASU with stronger tools to monitor and address basic needs insecurity.
- Developed streamlined data collection and evaluation strategies.
- Strengthened outcome tracking and enhanced future funding proposals.
- Mapping geographic disparities in animal care services.
- Developing a decision-support tool to optimize resource deployment and improve service equity.
- Upcoming project: geospatial analysis to identify service needs and guide expansion strategies for street outreach to unhoused population in Phoenix.
Featured news
ASU Dashboard Helps St. Mary’s Food Bank
Arizona State University (ASU) created an interactive dashboard tracking food insecurity in our state. The dashboard helps St. Mary’s Food Bank (SMFB) make informed decisions about how to better address the communities of greatest need. This innovative tool aims to analyze patterns, provide critical insights and optimize resource allocation to address disparities in food access.
ASU students provide help and hope to women in crisis throughout Arizona
Two ASU students, Alexi Vogel and Sophia Ruger, teamed up with Associate Professor Connor Sheehan to help Hope Women’s Center — a nonprofit serving at-risk women and teens across Arizona — expand its reach.
ASU Partners with St. Mary’s Food Bank to Develop Innovative Dashboard
A team of PhD students and faculty collaborated with St. Mary's Food Bank to create an interactive visualization of food access patterns and distribution. The map will help inform outreach efforts to more accurately target resources where they are needed most.
SNAP Cuts Highlight Food Bank Data Innovation
Food banks have been using state-level SNAP data in innovative ways to map hunger, predict demand, and target resources efficiently. The 2025 budget bill threatens this progress by limiting access to that data, potentially reversing advances in data-driven hunger relief efforts.
GIS Supports Efforts to Bring Food Aid to Arizona Tribal Nations
The St. Mary’s Food Bank is using GIS technology to get food to communities, an initiative that plays an increasingly important role as the federal government explores funding changes to benefits programs.
How Data Helps Food Banks Meet Rising Need
Americans are concerned about food access and costs. Data maps are one tool communities can leverage to meet their needs.
How to get involved
For community organizations
Partner with Data Devils to unlock insights from your data and strengthen your impact.
For students
Apply to join our interdisciplinary teams and gain hands-on experience in data science, policy, and community-engaged research.
For administrators & funders
Support a nationally recognized model of community-engaged research training. Connect with us to explore partnerships, sponsorships, or collaborations.
Make a gift
Your support helps expand Data Devils’ reach, providing more students with transformative experiences and more organizations with critical data tools.
Photo Gallery
Data Devils at Work
Check out these photos of our data devils in action
