WiDS Raleigh @ NC State 2025 Agenda

Room: 2110

Room: 2110

Room: 2110

• Dr. Jenell Stewart serves as the Assistant Director of Health Analytics and External Services for the NC HIEA (North Carolina Health Information Exchange Authority). Recently recognized as the NC Tech Woman of the Year 2024, Dr. Stewart is a trailblazer in health data analytics and innovation. In her current role, Dr. Stewart leads the strategic direction of the NC HIEA analytics program, overseeing a dynamic team of analysts and collaborating with healthcare leaders across North Carolina. She plays a pivotal role in advancing data management best practices, driving adoption of innovative solutions, and fostering strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including leadership teams and technology providers. Dr. Stewart holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Management of Engineering and Technology from Northcentral University. With over 18 years of dedicated service in North Carolina state government, including 11 years at the NCDIT Enterprise Data Office

Speaker: Priscila Faria

Room: 4201

• In this engaging session, participants will learn the essential steps to transform raw datasets into compelling visual narratives. Designed for students and professionals interested in data science, this lesson will cover the fundamentals of data wrangling, including cleaning and restructuring data, and progress through exploratory data analysis to creating impactful visualizations. Using a real-world dataset, attendees will gain hands-on experience with practical techniques and tools to uncover insights and tell stories that drive decision-making using R software. Whether you’re new to data science or looking to refine your skills, this session offers valuable knowledge to help you turn data into meaningful insights. Assisted by Course Collaboration Leader Nicole Page.

Speaker: Jeanne McClure

Room: Room 4205

Speaker: Dr. ShuDon Brown

Room: 2110

• Innovative ideas are the driving force behind the evolution of technology. This session will explore how fresh perspectives can ignite progress and emphasize the transformative power of creativity in overcoming obstacles. Participants will be inspired to discover how their engagement in tech fields can foster meaningful change and inspire a new wave of innovation.

Speaker: Jeffrey Diebold

Room 4207

This presentation covers causal inference and the methods employed by social scientists to move beyond associations to establish robust causal relationships. These methodologies are critical for understanding the impacts of policy on people and the world around us. In the academic space, these methodologies have upended what we have “known” or what we expect to be true, exemplified by studies on the impact of minimum wage on unemployment, the determinants of crime, and the factors influencing teenage pregnancy. These methodologies help elevate social science from speculation to rigorous analysis, allowing us to challenge or confirm conventional wisdom. The presentation will showcase compelling applications of causal inference in contemporary research and conclude by outlining the core methodological tools employed, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), natural experiments (difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity), matching techniques, and fixed effects models. This presentation aims to give attendees a basic understanding of causal inference and point them to courses at NCSU where they might learn to implement these methodologies.   

Speaker: Rolliene Mallari

Room: 2110

• This session presents mindsets new hires can utilize to shine in their new professional positions. The ‘rules’ have been gathered from experienced professionals.

Speaker: Steve McDonald

Room:4207

Network analysis involves the study of relationships between social units: people, events, organizations, communities, and other groups. This session provides an overview of network concepts, visualizations, and applications essential for data science careers.

Speakers: Hardi Desai, Abigail McCauley, Jola Pham, Jason Swarts, Uma Ravat, and Megan Townsend

Moderator: Chanel Carrell

Room: 2110

• Modern Data Science Careers: Opportunities Across Industries Description: From healthcare to finance, data science is transforming industries. This panel will explore how data science is applied across sectors and what opportunities exist for professionals in these fields. This panel will address some of the following questions: What trends are you seeing in the application of data science in your industry? How does the role of a data scientist differ depending on the industry? What advice would you give to someone transitioning into your sector?

Room: Duke Energy Hall Foyer

Stop by the WiDS Networking and Career Exploration Session to network and discover new career opportunities in data science and AI. Are you an employer interested in participating? Register at ePack to have a table at the event.