Dear faculty of the School of Data Science,

I wanted to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to each of you. I hope you had a restful and rejuvenating summer and are ready for another exciting and productive academic year. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and am eager to engage with the vibrant ideas and discussions that you will undoubtedly bring to the courses and research. Here’s to a semester filled with inspiration, growth, and collaborative success. Welcome back! 

We will have our first faculty meeting in Colvard 1017 at 2:30pm on September 13. I look forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards,  

Dongsong Zhang, Ph.D.

Interim Executive Director, School of Data Science

We are pleased to announce that the School of Data Science (SDS) has received approval from the UNC System Board of Governors for a new Ph.D. program, with final accreditation expected from SACS. The program is set to begin in Fall 2025 and will offer two pathways: one for future industry leaders and another for academic careers. The curriculum will cover advanced topics such as machine learning, AI, statistics, data ethics, and the social implications of data science. This Ph.D. program will build on the strengths of our existing Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees and further our commitment to advancing data science education. We’ve already received enthusiastic responses from SDS alumni following our June announcement. We are currently organizing information sessions for October, where prospective applicants can learn more about this exciting new program. Stay tuned for details!

The Center for Research Excellence has several opportunities to advance research projects Ignite Planning Grants and Faculty Research Grants. The Center is also offering a New Assistant Professor Workshop Series which seeks to help professors to the FRG process. Additionally, external funding opportunities are available. More information

SDS faculty Shan Yan recently published a lab research article titled "Distinct regulation of ATM signaling by DNA single-strand breaks and APE1" published at Nature Communications. The paper can be found here. A news article on this paper was released at EurekAlert titled "Demystifying APE1: New findings on direct activation of ATM signaling by DNA single-strand breaks” which can be found here.

Find the full SDS Calendar of Events on the program website. 

• September 13, 2024- Early Alert Deadline
• September 19, 2024- Deadline to apply for December 2024 Graduation
• September 27, 2024- Unsatisfactory web Mid-Term Grading access available 
• September 30, 2024- Spring 2025 Schedule of Classes available on the web
• September 30, 2024- Student registration appointment times available online
• October 11, 2024- Unsatisfactory Mid-Term Grades due for Fall 2024 by noon
• October 14-15, 2024- Student Recess – No Classes

Join us for the 3Q24 Charlotte Alteryx User Group at Kingsmen Software, Camp North End, 1801 N Graham St Suite 310, Charlotte, NC 28206 (ample free parking available). Enjoy presentations, networking, and complimentary food, beer, and wine. Presentations from Sherpa, a local staffing firm, on "Resume Writing in the Age of AI," and learn about automated checks from Henan Li, Alteryx consultant. Don’t forget to register—we look forward to seeing you there!

Fleurix aims to increase the number of women+ pursuing and thriving in technology-related careers by connecting women+ with an inspiring community and accessible resources that can help conquer common barriers to entry, retention, and promotion of women+ in IT.

Register Here!

September 9, 2024, | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City

UNC Charlotte, in collaboration with NCBiotech, is hosting “The Biomedical Sciences Symposium: Advancing Frontiers: Exploring New Horizons in Biomedical Sciences” in Uptown Charlotte. This full-day event will bring together the University and Industry to highlight the innovation and translational research in Biomedical Sciences in the region. The symposium will catalyze driving forward transformative solutions to pressing health challenges, reinforcing UNC Charlotte’s commitment to excellence in biomedical education and research. Learn about breakthrough discoveries, enjoy interactive panel discussions, network, and more! Watch for further communication on this event and visit our Symposium website to learn more. Register Here.

Monday, Sept. 16, or Monday, Sept. 30



Enhance your research with the Women + Girls Research Alliance data dashboard. Register for lunch and learn to explore this essential tool that can support your work, inspire your projects, or simply satisfy your curiosity.

Virtual | September 17 at noon ET

In this session, Dr. Crista Arangala will introduce Elon University's Data Nexus. The initiative was created as part of a five-year Quality Enhancement Plan developed during its most recent accreditation process and serves as a coordinating hub for data competency initiatives at the university throughout the plan and beyond. In its first year, Data Nexus has been focused on assessing the foundational technology and statistical competency of all of the university's undergraduate students. Additionally, Data Nexus has allowed for the creation of a process for faculty across the institution to apply for courses to be designated as Data-Intensive and the introduction of a new Micro-credential in Advanced Data Competency. Data Nexus offers a variety of programming across campus including data camps, workshops, and data challenges, as well as grants to support faculty, staff, and student data-driven initiatives. In its second year, Data Nexus will continue to develop curricular and co-curricular data-intensive experiences for the general undergraduate student body. (From SouthBigDataHub)

September 25-26, 2024 | New Bern, NC

Join NC TECH, presenting sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and women from across North Carolina for the fourth annual Summit for Women in Tech in New Bern, NC, September 25-26. This women-only summit will feature candid conversations with women tech leaders where we explore gender bias, share our unique journeys, discuss how to shift the paradigm and provide insights on advocating for change both now and for the next generation. Full details and registration.

October 10-11, 2024 | Wrightsville Beach, NC

The North Carolina Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (NCHIMSS) aims to enhance healthcare in North Carolina through information and technology. We offer distinctive educational and networking opportunities for healthcare providers and IT leaders across the state, promoting the exchange of ideas to tackle the evolving challenges in healthcare. Join us at our annual conference to network with top professionals and advance your knowledge in healthcare IT! Register here.

October 20-23, 2024 | Seattle, WA

This meeting will host thousands of presentations, tutorials, and pre-meeting events, highlighting the latest research and advancements in operations research and analytics. Discover how these disciplines are making a significant impact by saving lives, optimizing resources, and solving complex challenges. More information

October 29-30, 2024 | Ann Arbour, MI

ADSA’24, hosted by the Michigan Institute for Data Science, will focus on humanity in data and AI. This includes humans as data producers and engineers, AI designers and developers, representations of humans in data, and humans as users or beneficiaries (or victims) of data and AI. Sessions will explore the central role of humans in the data and AI revolution, including maximizing benefits for research and innovation, ensuring that the use of data and technologies align with our values and priorities, and preparing the future workforce for continued discovery and innovation. More information here.

We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference and the Analytics Frontiers Conference. The Women in Data Science Conference will be on March 25, 2025, at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Conference Center, with Lowe’s Corporation as the title sponsor, offering FREE registration. Hosted by UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science, it focuses on inspiring and supporting data scientists in the Carolinas.

The Analytics Frontiers Conference, celebrating its 11th year, will be held on April 3, 2025, at the Uptown Hilton with Truist as the title sponsor. It’s the largest data science conference in the region, drawing over 500 industry leaders.

Shaoyu Li: Associate Professor, transitioning into PhD Program Director: We are excited to welcome Shaoyu Li as the new PhD Program Director for the School of Data Science. She will help with preparing the launch of the Ph.D. program, including the development of admission requirements, the admission process, and other related policies and requirements. Dr. Li, Assistant Professor at UNC Charlotte, holds a Ph.D. in Statistics and Quantitative Biology from Michigan State University and an M.S. in Statistics from Huazhong University. Her research focuses on statistical genetics, developing methods to analyze cellular compositional effects and transcriptional changes in human diseases, and novel statistical methods for mobile health studies.

Summer often brings change, and this year we’re excited to welcome several new faculty members to SDS. You can learn more about them on their individual faculty websites.

Shih-Hsiung Chou: Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Shih-Hsiung Chou is a data scientist with deep expertise in big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. He is currently a Senior Data Scientist at Advocate Health, where he utilizes advanced analytics to drive strategic decisions and enhance operational efficiency. Dr. Chou has held key positions at Atrium Health, where he specialized in predictive modeling, data visualization, and AI solutions.

Ilieva Ageenko, Senior Lecturer: Dr. Ilieva Ageenko, with a Ph.D. in AI from Taras Shevchenko University and a Master’s in Cybernetics Economics from Moscow State University, has over 30 years in data-driven tech. Formerly a senior executive at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Truist, she led innovations in analytics and AI. Now at UNC Charlotte, she focuses on responsible AI and mentoring, especially women in STEM. Click the button below to read her full article.

Join DataCamp’s Free Virtual Events this September to boost your data and AI literacy! Learn from global experts through webinars, podcasts, and more. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills!

Every Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the Dubois Center, join us for insights from leaders in financial services, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. These sessions offer a chance to connect with national and local employers, explore data challenges, and advance your career. Don’t miss out—view the full fall schedule HERE and register to secure your spot!

• Uncover the Secrets of Data Science at Siemens Energy! Join us on Monday, September 9, 2024, for an exclusive seminar to explore how Siemens Energy uses data science for sustainable solutions. Discover how data scientists tackle challenges like predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization, and learn about the collaborative environment driving innovation. Led by Matt Bryan, Head of Enterprise Data & Advanced Analytics in Manufacturing & Engineering. Don't miss out on how data science is shaping a greener energy future! Learn more about our speaker and register HERE.

• Explore Data Science at Duke Energy! Join us on Monday, September 16, 2024- Heather Chamblee, Senior Manager of Advanced Analytics, and Josh Vilchis, IT Software Engineer will discuss how Duke Energy uses data science to drive innovation. Learn about their career paths, success tips, and 2025 Summer Internship opportunities. This event is a must for graduate students and anyone interested in data science. Learn more about our speakers and register HERE!

The Informatics Research Seminar Series, sponsored by Duke University and collaborating institutions (UNC-Chapel Hill, NCCU, UNC-Charlotte, ECU, and WFU), offers valuable insights into Health Informatics. Seminars cover industry perspectives, research results, and diverse projects in the field. Join us on Wednesdays at 4 PM EST to engage with industry leaders and researchers. Check the schedule below to stay updated and make the most of this exciting opportunity!

• Mohammad Golam Kibria, PhD Candidate, UNC Chapel Hill- A Novel Framework for Assessing AI Explainability in Healthcare | September 9, 2024 @4:00 pm

• Daniel Janies, PhD. Professor, UNC Charlotte- Medical Intelligence for Infectious Diseases Through Phylogenetics and AI-Driven Structural Biology | September 11, 2024 @4:00 pm

Kickstart Your Career with Wells Fargo - Quantitative Analytics | Monday, September 9, 2024, 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City Room 1104- Wells Fargo is hiring! Join us for the Quantitative Analytics Business Showcase to explore roles in Risk Analytics & Decision Science and Capital Markets. Ideal for Master’s or PhD students in STEM fields, this event will feature current program members and recruiters, offering insights and a chance to ask questions. Learn more about the session and register HERE.

Join us on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 3 to 6 pm at Barnhardt SAC Salons for a special networking opportunity with select employers before the main career fair. This casual meet-and-greet will help you practice talking with representatives and navigate the upcoming fair. Business casual attire is recommended. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.  For more information and to RSVP.

Please encourage students to join over 200 employers, from Fortune 100 companies to local businesses. This is a chance to network and explore opportunities for full-time jobs, internships, and co-ops.

Who Should Attend:

• Seniors: Explore full-time positions.
• Sophomores & Juniors: Find internships and co-ops.
• Freshmen: Explore career options and get a head start.
• Graduate Students: Discover opportunities with about 50% of employers.

Prepare by attending the Career Fair Crash Course series the week of the fair. For details, visit the Hire-A-Niner or Events page. Don’t miss out—register now for the Fall Career & Internship Fair!

Explore the world at Charlotte’s longest-running international festival, hosted by UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs. Enjoy a day where you are surrounded by arts, crafts, costumes, food, music, and dance in a marketplace-style experience. More information

AWS Academy, formerly AWS Educate, is a no-cost program by Amazon Web Services (AWS) tailored for higher education institutions. It equips educators with resources to teach cloud computing and AWS services effectively, aiming to prepare students for industry-recognized certifications and careers in cloud computing. The program also includes the AWS Academy Forums, a virtual community where educators can connect, access resources, share best practices, and discuss trends in cloud education. The forums feature specialized groups such as AWS Academy News for program updates and the Educators Forum for AWS-related content and discussions. Educators have the flexibility to customize their notification preferences to stay informed at their desired frequency. If you are interested in learning more or using AWS Academy for one or more of your classes, please email Robert Fox (rfox12@charotte.edu).

Washington, DC | Applications due September 30

The candidate’s responsibilities include: performing assigned portions of professional or technical projects involving some or all duties such as data science to establish objectives and approach; ability to isolate and define critical features of the problem; reviewing, coordinating, and monitoring implementation of policies governing the program area; and incorporating and/or integrating health equity principles and practices in the development of IT infrastructures, algorithms, concepts, storage, retention, and surveillance programs. Apply here. (From SouthBigDataHub)

If you plan to use the UNC Charlotte HPC Educational Cluster for Fall 2024 courses, please complete the account creation request form using the link Account Creation Request Form. The URC staff will process student accounts the day after the add/drop period ends unless instructors need resources in the first week. To ensure timely account setup, please submit your requests as soon as possible. The final deadline for submissions is September 10, 2024, after which the form will be disabled. (Note: The HPC clusters are for course-related work only, not for research. For more details, visit the URC Educational Clusters page.) Feel free to reach out to Joe Matesich or Mark Olson. with any questions. They will coordinate with the OneIT URC staff for account creation.

Suggestions are always welcome- please email Lindsay Lennon with any questions or recommendations.

• Essential Data- From Data Leaders, a global data solutions firm, targeted to Chief Data Officers.

• KDnuggets- KDnuggets is an online site for Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, and Analytics, edited by Matthew Mayo. KD stands for Knowledge Discovery.

• Kaggle- Kaggle, owned by Google LLC, is a platform and community for data scientists and machine learning practitioners. Users can discover and share datasets, create models in a web-based environment, collaborate with others, and compete in data science challenges.

• Medium- Medium is an open-source online publishing platform where anyone can publish and share insightful perspectives and useful knowledge. It has a wide-ranging offering of topics including: Programming, Data Science, Technology, Self Improvement, Machine Learning, etc. In addition to their website, they also publish a daily e-newsletter.

• National Consortium for Data Science (NCDS)- The National Consortium for Data Science (NCDS) brings together academia, industry, and government to tackle 21st-century data challenges. It aims to leverage digital data for creating jobs, advancing healthcare, making scientific discoveries, and giving industries a competitive edge.

• SouthBDHub- The monthly newsletter contains a listing of news, events, and opportunities in data science, analytics, engineering, and policy. A selection of stories and announcements are below