The National Consortium for Data Science

The Data Shows Your Government Website Content Matters
2023-01-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The National Consortium for Data Science (NCDS), in partnership with Interpersonal Frequency, will host a free webinar, on “The Data Shows Your Government Website Content Matters” on Wednesday, January 11 at 12 PM ET.
With data from over 17 million government website users across the country, Interpersonal Frequency has been able to uncover some unexpected trends in the world on online government content. One trend we can’t ignore: content matters. The most beautiful, high-tech site in the world can fail its visitors if the content it presents is poor quality. UX Manager Kirsti Kenneth has seen too many government sites pin all their hopes on a technical fix or wait too long to address their content needs, with sometimes disastrous results. In response, she developed a data-driven, “content-forward” approach to website improvement and redesign, built to minimize process bottlenecks and maximize the impact for end users. We’ll share the biggest lessons data has taught us about the impact of good quality content, where clients are falling short, and what’s being frequently overlooked. Then, we’ll walk you through the tactics we’ve developed to help counter these trends and show you how we turn content from a frustrating burden into an opportunity to create high-impact, affordable, data-backed improvements.
View a recording of the event here.

Improving Digital Inclusivity on Local Government Websites using the “Hidden Cues” in Data
2022-11-02 12:00 - 13:00
The National Consortium for Data Science (NCDS), in partnership with Interpersonal Frequency, will host a free webinar, on “Improving Digital Inclusivity on Local Government Websites using the “Hidden Cues” in Data” on Wednesday, November 2 at 12 PM ET.
In theory, digital spaces can provide both services and better quality of life to more people than ever before. In practice, too many government websites are not serving diverse populations equally. You want your website to do better and attract historically underprivileged categories, but how do you begin? In this webinar, you’ll learn how civic analytics can give solid clues about how to build a more inclusive government website. Interpersonal Frequency founder Harish R. Rao will reveal our 2021 Government Benchmarking report with user success data with insight on how to attract those digitally left behind, and help you decide where to invest your next research funds. Plus, he’ll discuss unique insights learned from I.F.’s in-depth website discovery process with cities and counties. We will also cover “hidden” insights buried in the benchmarks, like the services that municipal government web users most want — but often fail to find or receive.
View a recording of the event here.

2022 NCDS Fall Career Panel: Analyzing Data Science Careers
2022-10-19 12:00 - 13:00
You don’t want to miss these data science professionals provide insight into what it takes to capture the attention of top recruiters in data science and data analytics. Our panelists represent a variety of career stages and they are ready to discuss what it takes to set yourself apart as you launch your career search. Join us to learn more about:

What programming languages are in demand now
Unexpected ways to promote your experience
What experiences you should gain early in your career

Register for this free, virtual career panel on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 12pm-1pm, featuring Dr. Deborah Stroman (UNC Gillings School of Public Health), Justin Choy (Google), Gabriel Farkas (IQVIA), and Namrata Jumani (Bain and Co).
View a recording of the event here.

Building an Inclusive and Transformative Data Strategy in Research and Community Engagement
2022-10-13 11:00 - 12:00
The National Consortium for Data Science (NCDS), in partnership with the UNC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, will host a conversation on Building an Inclusive and Transformative Data Strategy in Research and Community Engagement on Thursday, October 13 at 11 AM ET.
The COVID pandemic and racial justice protests across the country have sparked new conversations regarding race, racism, and social justice in nearly every aspect of American society. From housing, health care, employment, and wealth accumulation to education and policing, policies, practices, and institutions are being re-examined through the lens of anti-racism and equity. Data, and the systems that create and rely upon data, have been no exception.
In this online seminar, audiences will hear from interdisciplinary experts as they define data equity and discuss considerations of the ways in which data are collected, analyzed, interpreted, and distributed. This discussion will explore ways that data can reinforce stereotypes, exacerbate problems like racial bias, or otherwise undermine social justice. Finally, we will discuss how data equity can empower communities, yield informed decision making, and share best practices for inclusivity and improving data equity.
The event will be moderated by Dr. Essie Torres, Director of Strategy for Research Diversity Workforce and Community Partnerships at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Our panelists include:

Dr. Kristin Black — ECU Department of Health Education and Promotion
Dr. Trenette Goings – UNC School of Social Work
Dr. Iheoma Iruka — UNC Department of Public Policy
Mr. Milton Suggs — UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

View a recording of the event here.

Data Matters 2022
2022-08-08 - 2022-08-12
Data Matters™ is a week-long series of one and two-day courses aimed at students and professionals in business, research, and government. Sponsored by the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science at UNC-Chapel Hill, the National Consortium for Data Science, and RENCI, the short-course series gives students the chance to learn about a wide range of topics in data science, analytics, visualization, curation, and more from expert instructors.
Check out the Data Matters website to see more information about the first-ever springtime series, Data Matters: Spring Ahead, which will be held on March 13-16, 2023 and will feature a selection of their most popular two-day courses. The traditional Data Matters series will return in August 2023.

NCDS Lunch and Learn: How to Be An Antiracist Researcher
2022-04-07 12:00 - 13:00
Antiracist researchers combat inequality and racism by conceptualizing, implementing, and disseminating research that dismantles racism, oppression, discrimination, and structural inequalities. This presentation offers participants an opportunity to learn how to engage in antiracist research by presenting a counter-narrative to the traditional conceptualization and implementation of research with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). During our time together, the panelists will

define antiracist research
offer unique principles for conducting antiracist research
present challenges the antiracist researcher will encounter
offer practical recommendations

Panelists include:

Dr. Trenette Goings – UNC School of Social Work
Dr. Faye Belgrave – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), main campus
Dr. Maghboobah Mosavel – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), medical campus
