Data Science Conference

March 7-8, 2024
Joe Crowley Student Union
University of Nevada, Reno

We are excited to announce the inception of a Data Science Initiative on our campus, supported by a Nevada INBRE supplemental award for Building Data Science Capacity, along with Research & Innovation. This initiative aims to transform the landscape of data science at our institution, contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation, open new academic paths and break silos across colleges, schools and departments.

A highlight of the initiative is our first annual Data Science Conference, bringing together leading experts, researchers and students to grow data science knowledge and skills on our campus. The conference will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops and networking opportunities that you don’t want to miss.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Keynote speakers

Tshaka Cunningham, Ph.D., Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer of Polaris Genomics

Engaging Diverse Communities in Genomics Research and Precision Medicine

This talk focuses on boosting diversity in genomics research, particularly involving underrepresented minorities in precision medicine. Successful strategies for diversity and inclusion in population studies will be shared, alongside innovative community engagement approaches.

Learn more about Tshaka Cunningham

Bridget Algee-Hewitt, Ph.D., Senior Associate Director of the Research Institute, Stanford Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity

Talking like a Robot, Sounding like a Human: Using the language of data science to center intersectional narratives

This talk challenges divisive, binary discourse in research, advocating bilingual conversations. Algee-Hewitt shows how combining rigorous data science with broad humanistic thinking can address unresolved questions.

Learn more about Bridget Algee-Hewitt

Agenda

View the full agenda details for March 7 (conference) and March 8 (workshops).

Thursday, March 7, 2024 – Conference agenda
Time	Agenda item
8:30-9 a.m.	Registration opens
9-9:30 a.m.	Welcome and opening remarks
9:30-10:30 a.m.	Keynote address, Tshaka Cunningham, “Engaging Diverse Communities in Genomics Research and Precision Medicine”
10:40-10:45 a.m.	Sponsor message – Amazon Web Services
10:45-11:40	Faculty lightning talks
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Panel discussion: Chatbots in Academia
12:30-1:30 p.m.	Lunch (provided)
1:30-2:30 p.m.	Keynote address, Bridget Algee-Hewitt, “Talking like a Robot, Sounding like a Human: Using the language of data science to center intersectional narratives”
2:40-3:25 p.m.	Showcase of Academic Programs Featuring Data Science
3:30-4:25 p.m.	Panel discussion: Landing a Job in Data Science
4:25-4:30 p.m.	Sponsor message: IBM
4:30-4:35 p.m.	Closing remarks, Provost Jeff Thompson
4:35-6 p.m.	Poster session and networking

Conference agenda details – March 7

Friday, March 8, 2024 – Workshops agenda
Time	Agenda item	Audience	Recommended equipment and prerequisites
8:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.	SageMaker Immersion Day, presented by Amazon Web Services	Everyone	Computer or Surface
9-10 a.m.	Data Security: Prevent and Protect	Everyone involved in research or handling sensitive information (e.g., health research)	n/a
9-11 a.m.	Use of ChatGPT and other Chatbots in Research and Teaching	Faculty and postdocs	Computer or Surface (not required but beneficial)
9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.	Introduction to Research Computing	Everyone	Computer, HPC account (will help you get set up)
9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.	R Essentials: Unveiling the Power of Data Analysis and Visualization	Everyone	Computer with R and R studio installed; for part 2 only: basic experience with R
10:15-11:45 a.m.	Crafting Effective Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMS)	Faculty and postdocs	Computer or Surface (not required but beneficial) as well as DMS if available
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.	Enhancing Undergraduate Learning: Exploring AI in Higher Education for Students	Undergraduates	Computer or Surface (not required but beneficial)
Noon-1:20 p.m.	AI Assistants for Enterprise Productivity, presented by IBM	Everyone	Computer or Surface (not required but beneficial)
1-5 p.m.	Python Crash Course	Everyone, designed for undergraduates	Computer or Surface
1:30-3 p.m.	Roundtable: Government Service Roles in Data Science and Security	Everyone, designed for students	n/a
1:30-3 p.m.	“Meet and Greet” with the Amazon Web Services team	Everyone	n/a

workshop descriptions and registration - March 8

Sponsorship opportunities

We invite you to join us as a sponsor for our upcoming campus-wide Data Science Conference. This event will bring together a diverse and talented group of students, faculty, professionals and experts to celebrate the rich tapestry of perspectives and ideas that make data science thrive. By supporting our conference, you will be an integral part of this movement towards inclusivity and innovation.

Our sponsorship opportunities range from basic to premium, allowing you to choose a level that aligns with your objectives and budget. Whether you're looking to increase brand visibility, engage with a diverse talent pool or demonstrate your commitment to fostering diversity in the tech world, we have sponsorship options that will help you achieve your goals. Join us in making a meaningful impact, enhancing diversity and driving the future of data science.

Various levels of sponsorship are available. If you are interested in sponsoring the conference, email datascienceinitiative@unr.edu.

Sponsorship amounts and availability at each level

Bronze: $250, 10 available
Silver: $1,000, 10 available
Gold: $2,000, 5 available
Platinum: $3,000, 4 available
Diamond: $4,000, 3 available
Titanium: $6,000, 1 available

**What’s included in each sponsorship level (table legend: “X” is included; “-“ is not included)**
What's included	Bronze	Silver	Gold	Platinum	Diamond	Titanium
Exhibit booth to showcase products	X	X	X	X	X	X
Logo on the website	-	X	X	X	X	X
Mentioning in opening remarks	-	X	X	X	X	X
Social media shout-outs	-	X	X	X	X	X
Enhanced logo placement on conference materials as well as display of logo at the event at the door	-	-	X	X	X	X
Dedicated exhibit booth location	-	-	X	X	X	X
Recognition in conference email and marketing material	-	-	X	X	X	X
Prime logo placement on conference materials	-	-	-	X	X	X
Opportunity to host a workshop or panel discussion	-	-	-	X	X	X
Exclusive sponsorship of a high-visibility conference element (e.g., networking reception, lunch, coffee break) and 5 minute talking slot	-	-	-	X	-	-
Exclusive sponsorship of a conference keynote speaker and 10 minute talking slot	-	-	-	-	X	-
Special acknowledgement mention and 15 minute talking slot	-	-	-	-	-	X
Exclusive sponsorship of seed funding for a collaborative data science project for faculty	-	-	-	-	-	X

Questions?

Please email us at datascienceinitiative@unr.edu.

The Data Science Initiative, including the conference, is made possible by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM103440), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Climate survey

Help us shape the Data Science Initiative at the University! Our climate survey is designed to assess current knowledge, skills and attitudes about data science at our institution. Your feedback and suggestions are a vital part in tailoring the Data Science Initiative and conference offerings to our campus' specific needs.

Take the survey

Email list

We encourage everyone who is enthusiastic about data science or has questions about the initiative to get involved. If you have ideas, want to collaborate or simply want to stay up to date and connected with the Data Science Initiative, join our group email list.

Join our email list

Student travel grants

In addition to the campus conference, the initiative is offering student travel grants to attend data science conferences nationwide to support the next generation of data scientists within our community. Applications will be reviewed March 31, 2024; May 31, 2024; and July 31, 2024.

Apply for a grant