Data Science Conference

Join us for the second annual Data Science Conference

February 18-20, 2025

Digital image of layers of data in a three dimensional space

We are excited to announce the second annual Data Science Conference at the �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��. The conference is supported by the Data Science Initiative, and backed by a supplemental award for building data science capacity, along with Research & Innovation. The initiative aims to transform the landscape of data science at our institution, contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation, open new academic paths and improve collaboration between colleges, schools and departments.

The Data Science Conference brings 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. Everyone is welcome to join and registration is free!

February 18-20, 2025
Joe Crowley Student Union
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The deadline to register is Monday Feb. 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Keynote speakers

Martin Krzywinski, staff scientist, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre

Data speaks for itself, but what is it saying? Crafting visual explanations of complex ideas.

Without good analysis, we cannot see patterns.
Without good visualization, we cannot see them.
Without good design, we cannot understand them.

I will share with you my experiences in combining science, art, visualization and design to create explanations, promote engagement, and stir the imagination.

Martin will also offer a workshop titled Explain Visually, Explain Well

Snehit Prabhu, Ph.D., chief data scientist, Stanford Cancer Institute

How data & AI are transforming cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.

Snehit builds data refineries for precision medicine.

Cancer arises from the breakdown of biological circuits encoded in our DNA. Treating it involves reverse-engineering these circuits to pinpoint errors and develop targeted interventions. This talk will explore the journey of cutting-edge cancer treatments – from research to patient care – and the vital role of enterprise data ecosystems in driving progress.

Plenary speaker

Ankita Shukla, Ph.D., assistant professor, computer science and engineering, �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��

AI for applications in Eco-conservation and Science.

Ankita builds AI solutions for wildlife conservation and human health, blending deep learning with geometry-driven approaches

AI is revolutionizing science and biodiversity conservation, addressing challenges like limited labeled data through innovative approaches. This talk will showcase AI solutions for monitoring species such as frogs, beluga whales, and tigers, using techniques effective in both supervised and unsupervised settings. It will also explore how generative models are driving advancements in high-energy density physics simulations, a critical step toward realizing fusion energy.

Agenda

This is a tentative schedule. More information will be posted soon.

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025: Workshops/conference
Time	Agenda item
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Python Crash Course
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Introduction to Command Line and UNIX Fundamentals
10 a.m.-noon	Explain Visually, Explain Well workshop, with Keynote Speaker Martin Krzywinski
1 p.m.	Welcome
1:15 p.m.	Keynote: Martin Krzywinski Data speaks for itself, but what is it saying? Crafting visual explanations of complex ideas.
2:30 p.m.	Panel discussion: Career Paths in Data Science – Advice from Industry Experts
3:40 p.m.	Student lightning talks
4:40-6 p.m.	Poster session and networking with refreshments

Workshop agenda details – Feb. 18

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025: Conference sessions
Time	Agenda item
9 a.m.	Good morning remarks
9:15 a.m.	Keynote: Snehit Prabhu How data & AI are transforming cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.
10:30 a.m.	Ethics in Data Science: A Historical and Contemporary Account?
11 a.m.	Panel discussion: Ethical AI and Chatbots in Academia - Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
12:15 p.m.	Lunch (provided)
1 p.m.	Plenary speaker: Ankita Shukla AI for applications in Eco-conservation and Science
2 p.m.	Fun activity: Data science trivia with prices
2:30 p.m.	Research lightning talks
3:30 p.m.	Networking and small group discussion
4:30 p.m.	Closing remarks

Conference agenda details for Wednesday, Feb. 19 pending.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025: Workshops
Time	Agenda item
9 a.m.-noon	Meet and greet with the AWS team, including a demo
9:30 a.m.-noon	Document Preparation: From R and Python Notebooks to Final Documents using LaTeX
12:30-2 p.m.	Enhancing Undergraduate Learning: Exploring AI in Higher Education for Students
12:30-5 p.m.	Creating Automated and Reproducible Pipelines with Nextflow
1-5 p.m.	Introduction to Version Control and GitHub
2:30-3:30 p.m.	Researcher Degrees of Freedom: How Choices Shape Results and Increase Type I Error Rates

Workshop agenda details – Feb. 20

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.

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.

Last year’s conference information

The 2024 inagural Data Science Conference was a big success with more than 300 attendees.

Read about the 2024 conference