W&L to Host Second DataCon Event The event will focus on how data is shaping sports, entertainment, and healthcare.
“This year, DataCon features many accomplished alumni working in industries that are being shaped by data science such as entertainment, sports, and healthcare.” ~ Molly Steele
DataCon will take place at W&L on Nov. 9-10 and will highlight the impacts of data analytics, big data, and statistical computing across a variety of industries.
Student attendees will interact with alumni who are developing and applying new uses of data. “This year, DataCon features many accomplished alumni working in industries that are being shaped by data science such as entertainment, sports, and healthcare,” said Molly Steele, director of student advising.
Tom Wadlow ’99, head of North American automotive technology at Amazon, will deliver an opening keynote address on Friday afternoon. A case study featuring David Croushore ’07, previously the director of finance analysis at Pandora and currently products analytics manager at GameTime, will follow.
Saturday’s events include panels on sports and healthcare, as well as case studies featuring Emily Tunis ’05, senior director of advance programs at Hardwire and Rich Cober ’96, chief human resources officer at MicroStrategy.
“The interdisciplinary case studies and panels will showcase both technical and non-technical roles and appeal to students of all majors and interests,” said Molly.
The event is unique in that it provides a combination of perspectives found only at W&L. “This includes a quantitative approach embedded in the liberal arts applicable in business and organizational environments,” said Denny Garvis, professor of business administration, “It reflects strong ties between faculty, staff, students and alumni in small world networks.”
DataCon will close with a networking lunch in Evans Hall, which is open to all speakers, Science Advisory Board members, and registered students.
W&L’s Data Science Cohort, the Office of Career and Professional Development, the College, and the Williams School support this event.
Registration is now open for students via Handshake. Contact Professor Denny Garvis at garvisd@wlu.edu or Molly Steele at msteele@wlu.edu with any questions.
