“Converting Data into Knowledge”

Welcome to the Data Analytics Theory and Applications Laboratory (DATALab), a dynamic research group housed within the Department of Computer Science at Northern Illinois University. We are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics through rigorous research and impactful real-world applications.

Our Mission

Guided by our motto, Converting Data into Knowledge, our mission is to bridge the gap between the theoretical foundations of data science and its practical applications. We strive to develop innovative, reliable, and ethical AI-driven solutions to tackle complex challenges in science, industry, and society. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where intellectual curiosity thrives and the next generation of computer scientists is trained to become leaders in the field.

Our Research

Our research is driven by a passion for discovery and a commitment to solving meaningful problems. We believe the most significant breakthroughs occur at the intersection of foundational theory and applied innovation. Our core research areas include:

AI for Science and the Science of Science

We develop models to improve research reproducibility, uncover patterns in scholarly data, and predict the impact of scientific work.

AI Safety and AI in Engineering

We are committed to building fair, reliable, and robust AI systems for real-world applications, including collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory and Spirit AeroSystems on AI-powered inspection systems for manufacturing.

Generative AI and Large Language Models

We are at the forefront of research in generative AI and large language models, exploring their capabilities and applications.

Social Media and Text Mining

In an era of information overload, understanding digital communication is more important than ever. Our lab develops and utilizes advanced text mining and natural language processing (NLP) methods to analyze social media data. We explore topics such as public sentiment, the dynamics of online engagement, and the dissemination of information across digital platforms.

Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)

We are actively engaged in research at the forefront of generative AI. Our work explores the capabilities, limitations, and applications of large language models and other generative techniques. We investigate everything from foundational model behavior to the practical application of these models in solving complex text analysis and content creation tasks.

Our Team

DATALab is led by our lab director Dr. Hamed Alhoori and composed of a talented group of PhD students, and graduate researchers. We pride ourselves on a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and shared discovery.

Join Us

We are always looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our team and are open to new research collaborations.

For Prospective PhD Students

Are you passionate about solving challenging problems in AI and data science? We are actively seeking motivated students with a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or a related field to join our PhD program. As a member of DATALab, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects, publish in top-tier conferences, and collaborate with our partners in academia and industry.

If you are interested, please send an email to alhoori@niu.edu with your CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement of your research interests.

For Research Collaborations

We enthusiastically welcome partnerships with researchers from other universities, government labs, and industry. If you see an opportunity for synergy between your work and ours, please reach out to discuss potential projects.

Data Analytics Theory and Applications Laboratory (DATALab)
Department of Computer Science
Northern Illinois University | DeKalb, IL