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Panel examines the role of data in public and environmental health
The South Big Data Hub Roundtable held on January 11 in Chapel Hill, NC, provided an open discussion forum with a focus on Translational Data Analytics for Environmental Health. South Big Data Hub partners on development of new nationwide data storage network under NSF grant
The South Big Data Hub is one of four regional big data hub partners awarded a $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the initial development of a data storage network over the next two years. A collaborative team will combine their expertise, facilities, and research challenges to develop the Open Storage Network (OSN). The OSN will enable academic researchers across the nation to work with and share their data more efficiently than ever before, according to the NSF announcement. Data Education--Inclusivity is the Word
As organizational and societal decisions become more data-driven academic institutions, industry, and government officials continuously identify data literacy as an important skillset for individuals currently in and entering the workforce. Unfortunately, a dearth of qualified data literate employees exists producing a need for effective data science education and training for undergraduates. The National Academies of Sciences (NAS) formed a study committee to consider the core principles and skills undergraduates should learn and the pedagogical issues that must be addressed to build effective data science education programs. The South Big Data Hub brings missing voices to the conversation on data science education
Keeping Data Science Broad in-person workshop explored the Data Divide by convening stakeholders from teaching institutions, community colleges, tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions to discuss challenges related to capacity building and capability. Specific issues discussed included access to data, critical thinking, designing curriculum and assessment, data literacy, diversity, ethics, resources and staffing, building collaborations, and the pipeline to higher education from K-12. Recent education-enabling projects were showcased at the event.
Data science education in traditional contexts: Reflections on a recent webinar
Can wearable devices lead to better health outcomes?
Reflections on the South BD Hub mHealth Workshop in May 2017. Chenzhang Bao was a student at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in information systems. He was one of several students who the South Big Data Hub supported to attend an mHealth Workshop in May. The Conference was held in Chapel Hill and sponsored by the South Big Data Hub and the National Consortium for Data Science in collaboration with the Institute for the Future. The 2017 All Hands Meeting of the South Big Data Hub
On Friday, June 9, 2017, more than 75 people from across sectors and disciplines—academia, government, nonprofits, and industry—met at the Microsoft Chevy Chase Pavilion near Washington, DC, to assess the progress of the South Big Data Hub, and shape its future.The recent 2017 South Hub All-Hands meeting allowed several Hub stakeholders, members, partners, and funded projects, called “spokes,” to convene and report on progress and upcoming activities. It also was a forum for members to connect with colleagues across disciplines to form collaborations as new hopefuls for the next round of "spokes" funding. Vire the post to learn more about the meeting, speakers, and outcomes. Chinese scientists get a taste of data-driven research at U.S. State Department-sponsored visit
Ten scientists from the People’s Republic of China visited with University of North Carolina faculty members in January, where they learned about research that uses big data and data science to understand problems related to smart and connected cities, environmental quality, air pollution, and urban quality of life. The scientists were part of the International Visitor Leadership Program Young Scientist Forum, a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department’s Office of International Visitors Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Young Scientists Forum is an annual engagement under the U.S.-China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange, which aims to strengthen the ties between U.S. and Chinese citizens in the areas of culture, education, science and technology, sports, and women’s issues. This particular forum was in the U.S. to explore best practices for connecting with, and engaging, the public on scientific research related to air, water, and soil pollution. View the post for more information. Report says data science education pays off in rewarding careers
Earning a college degree takes more than time and effort—it requires a significant financial investment. According to a report from Thrivent Mutual Funds highlighted in a recent edition of Forbes magazine, choosing a major that can translate into a data science career is one way to ensure that your career earning power will allow you to pay off those student loans quickly. Is an understanding of data, how to use it, manage it, and act on it, the newest foundational skill essential for career success in the 21st century? Probably so. It can also help you with very practical concerns, for example interpreting the automatic diagnostics that are done daily on your new car so you can figure out a better route to work and improve your gas mileage. How to afford that fancy data-driven car? A data science education that opens up many well-paying career opportunities is a good place to start. View post for the full report. A Vision For Smart and Connected Cities
The biggest challenge the DOT faces is fatal crashes. To understand why fatalities are on the rise, the DOT has started working with the private sector to bring more data to the table. Read to learn how the private sector is assisting in this effort.