Robert Clements

Robert Clements is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program at the University of San Francisco (USF) and serves as Director of the Center for AI and Data Ethics. After nearly ten years in industry as a data scientist and senior director of data science across Bay-Area companies including Optum, Walmart Labs, UnitedHealthcare, GE Digital, and Verisk Analytics, he returned to academia to focus on education and ethical issues surrounding AI and data.

Education

• PhD in Statistics, University of California, Los Angeles, 2011
• MS in Statistics, University of California, Los Angeles, 2009
• BA in Mathematics, Humboldt State University, 2006

Research Interests

Dr. Clements focuses on data science education, exploring innovative pedagogies that equip students with practical and ethical data skills. He studies the societal impacts of AI and datafication, seeking frameworks to ensure responsible deployment of machine-learning systems. Additional interests include MLOps (the engineering practices that support reliable machine-learning workflows) and applied statistics across diverse domains.

His peer-reviewed work to date concentrates on statistical seismology, where he developed advanced residual-analysis and model-evaluation techniques for earthquake-forecast models. These contributions provide rigorous methods for assessing space-time point processes and improve the reliability of seismic hazard assessments.

Academic & Professional Service

As Director of the Center for AI and Data Ethics, Dr. Clements leads initiatives that create open educational resources, case studies, and student practicum projects centered on ethical AI. He co-hosts the USF Data Science Podcast alongside faculty colleague Cody Carroll, offering guidance to prospective and current MSDS students on program insights, learning strategies, and career development.