Women in Data Science (WiDS) Charlottesville 2024

WiDS Charlottesville is independently organized by the University of Virginia School of Data Science to be part of the mission to increase participation of women in data science and to feature outstanding women doing outstanding work. This year's event focuses on inspiring the next generation of women in data science. WiDS Charlottesville 2024 will be held in person at the University of Virginia with a livestream option available for sessions taking place in the Ballroom. 

This year's event will include panel discussions with industry experts, technical workshops, mentor roundtables, resume reviews, and a keynote by alum Laura Ipsen (UVA '86), president and CEO of Ellucian. WiDS Charlottesville is a free event that will be held at Newcomb Hall, and all genders are welcome to attend. 

NOTES:

• Paid parking is available in the Central Grounds Garage (400 Emmet Street South)
• Only events in the Newcomb Ballroom will be livestreamed.
• If you need accommodations, be sure to tell us when you register for the event.

Program Agenda

9:00-9:45 a.m.

Registration and Check-In | 3rd Floor Lobby
Breakfast | Main Lounge

A light breakfast will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Grab your WiDS Charlottesville networking bingo card and connect with other conference attendees throughout the day.

Welcome Remarks | Ballroom

• Karolina Naranjo-Velasco, WiDS Ambassador, Ph.D. in Data Science student, University of Virginia

10:00-10:45 a.m.

Empower Through Ethical AI Education and Skills Development | Ballroom

Farhana Faruqe will speak about the crucial intersection of gender advocacy, STEM education, and ethical artificial intelligence through her nonprofit, AI for Equity, and Jefferson Trust-funded project aimed at preparing students for careers in trustworthy AI. She advocates for a holistic approach to STEM advocacy, fostering a supportive environment that encourages girls and women to pursue AI-related fields while instilling a sense of responsibility for the ethical implications of their work.

• Farhana Faruqe, Assistant Professor, School of Data Science, University of Virginia

Panel: Pathways to Data Science | Ballroom

Be inspired by a panel of accomplished women data scientists who will draw from their own experiences and challenges, as well as share personal tips for building a thriving career and advocating for oneself.

• Navya Annapareddy, Ph.D. in Data Science student, University of Virginia
• Whitney Cathcart, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, 3DLOOK
• Farhana Faruqe (moderator), Assistant Professor, School of Data Science, University of Virginia 
• Vannia Gonzalez, Senior Manager, Machine Learning Engineer, Capital One-Data Insights
• Melissa Phillips, Software Engineering Manager, GA-CCRi

10:45-11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00-11:45 a.m.

Coding 101 | Ballroom

New to Python, data science, or Google Colab? In this workshop we’ll use Python in a Google Colab notebook to solve a data science problem. We’ll talk about Python syntax, using documentation, and coding best practices. (NOTE: Bring charged laptop and gmail account login.)

• Ali Rivera, Data Scientist, School of Data Science, University of Virginia

Technical Workshop: Data Visualization with Matplotlib | Commonwealth Room

Join us as we explore Matplotlib, the go-to Python library for data visualization, essential for data scientists seeking to convey insights visually. Discover its flexibility and customization capabilities, covering both basics and advanced techniques, and improve your ability to create impactful data presentations through visual storytelling. (NOTE: To follow along, please make sure Python, Matplotlib, and Seaborn are installed in your preferred environment, such as Jupyter Notebook or Google Colab.)

• Maureen O'Shea, M.S. in Data Science '22 at the University of Virginia, Data Science Consultant

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Lunch | Main Lounge

Boxed lunches will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Mentor Roundtables | Ballroom 

Admissions Open House | Commonwealth Room

Grab your lunch and join the School of Data Science Admissions Team for an overview of our offerings. Sessions will take place from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:15-12:45 p.m..

Resume Review | Conference Room 389

12:45-1:30 p.m.

Panel: Data Science for the Public Good | Ballroom

Join us for an engaging discussion that explores the intersection of data science and public service. Our esteemed panelists will share insights on leveraging technical skills to benefit the community. From pathways in public service to the impact of public interest technology, this session promises to be a thought-provoking dialogue.

• Michele Claibourn, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, University of Virginia; Director of Equitable Analysis, UVA's Equity Center
• Celeste Lemrow, Associate Chief of Program Analysis & Evaluation, CISA
• Rebecca Schmidt (moderator), Director of Belonging Operations and Strategy, School of Data Science, University of Virginia
• Jessica Stroop, Chief of Data Strategy, Criminal Division, Department of Justice

1:30-1:45 p.m.

Break

1:45-2:30 p.m.

Technical Lightning Talks | Ballroom

Explore a diverse range of cutting-edge topics and research methodologies as each speaker delivers an engaging 7-minute talk examining their current research and projects of interest. Time will be set aside after each talk for audience questions.

• Navigating the Data Seas: Global Perspectives on Data Governance, with Sunidhi Goyal, M.S. in Data Science Student, School of Data Science, University of Virginia

In an interconnected world where data flows across borders, understanding the intricacies of global data governance is essential. This talk will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by diverse regulatory frameworks around the globe. From Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation to the California Consumer Privacy Act in the United States, Goyal’s research aims to delve into the evolving landscape of data protection laws and examine strategies for fostering responsible data stewardship on a global scale. 

• Automated Detection of Eating Disorders in Dieting Forums, with Jiaxing Qiu, M.S. in Data Science ’20, Ph.D. Student, School of Data Science, University of Virginia

Qiu’s talk will address how social media is fostering a dieting culture that encourages eating disorders. We are aiming to utilize machine learning algorithms to identify high-risk posts of eating disorders thoughts and behaviors in online dieting forums. The project that Qiu is working on is also actively recruiting volunteers to help examine and label media posts for early detection and intervention. 

• Hyperspectral Image Unmixing, with Jade F. Preston, Captain, U.S. Air Force, Ph.D. Candidate, School of Data Science, University of Virginia  

Preston will talk about her work on hyperspectral image unmixing and target identification. Every material on the earth has a unique spectral signature. Machine learning techniques can be used to determine natural versus synthetic substances, delineate between species, or separate intimate mixtures, areas she’ll address in her talk. Most recently, she has focused on unmixing minerals and vegetation using a multitude of methods for best detection at the pixel level.

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45-3:30 p.m.

Keynote and Q&A | Ballroom

• Laura K. Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian

3:30-3:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks | Ballroom

• Yael Grushka-Cockayne, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Professional Degree Programs, Darden School of Business; Professor by Courtesy, School of Data Science, University of Virginia

3:45-4:30 p.m.

Closing Reception | Commonwealth Room