Sam Gutekunst

Sam Gutekunst serves as the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Assistant Professor of Data Science at Bucknell University, holding a unique dual appointment across the College of Engineering and the College of Arts & Sciences. His interdisciplinary work bridges computer science, mathematics, and data science to tackle complex decision-making challenges through operations research. Gutekunst is deeply committed to undergraduate education, designing hands-on learning experiences that empower students to confront difficult problems with creativity and resilience.

Central to Gutekunst's research are operations research and data science, with a focus on algorithmic development and discrete optimization. He applies these methods to diverse domains including sports analytics (such as NFL forecasting), financial modeling for Broadway shows, and large-scale logistical problems like university exam scheduling. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the value of productive failure, encouraging students to persist through challenges to achieve breakthroughs, as demonstrated by his team's recent progress on the Traveling Salesman Problem.

Scientific Awards:

• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Assistant Professorship in Data Science

Gutekunst actively mentors undergraduate researchers, guiding students like Thomas Smith '23 in industry collaborations with Spindrift and Yacine Bouabida '24 in theoretical computer science. His student-led projects have produced tangible outcomes including data visualization tools for consumer trends and a revolutionary exam scheduling system that replaced analog processes with efficient algorithms, saving the registrar weeks of work per semester. He also co-developed educational tools such as GILP for visualizing linear programs and supports student innovation in areas from 3D-printed CS models to neural network explanations.