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How did data analysis help stop the Ebola outbreak in West Africa? How can algorithms help develop better treatment of chronic diseases? How does data help bring a cancer drug to market more quickly?
These topics and more are at the heart of the worldwide Women in Data Science Conference, on Friday, February 3, at New College of Florida
New College is hosting the regional event of the conference, which aims to inspire and education data scientists (regardless of gender) by connecting them with leading researchers and academics.
“The conference strengthens the field of data science by sharing new research through talks, by bringing people together to exchange ideas and build new relationships, and by supporting and encouraging data scientists,” says Erin Craig, a graduate student in New College’s data science master’s degree program, and a former software developer with Wolfram Research.
“And of course, the conference is fun: we have talks from an incredible group of speakers, and we have time during lunch, afternoon snacks, and an evening reception for attendees to connect with one another.”
The conference, at New College’s Sainer Pavilion, offers technical talks with women across the spectrum of data science, both national and local experts in the field.
Live-streamed speakers from Stanford University include:

  • Deborah Frincke, director of research for the National Security Agency
  • Yael Garten, director of data science for LinkedIn
  • Margot Gerritsen, director of Stanford’s Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering
  • Diane Green, senior vice president for Google Cloud
  • Fei-Fei Li, chief scientist of AI/ML for Google Cloud
  • Maria Klawe, president of engineering school Harvey Mudd College

Local speakers include:

  • Irene Hueter, principal statistical scientist, Novartis Biomedical Research Institute. Hueter’s talk will address the use of data analysis in the Ebola response and drug development.
  • Christina Cherry, CEO of Sarasota-based InsideOut, a company that analyzes buying-pattern data to develop sales pipelines.

There also will be a research poster session, and opportunities to network with other attendees.
Registration provides access to all talks, food throughout the day (coffee and donuts in the morning, a boxed lunch, and afternoon coffee and snacks), an evening reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and a WiDS Sarasota 2017 t-shirt.
For more information and to register, visit https://ncf.edu/academics/graduate-program/data-science/wids/
Women in Data Science Conference at New College of Florida
Friday, Feb. 3, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Registration is $10 for students, $30 for professionals
https://ncf.edu/academics/graduate-program/data-science/wids/