Explaining Data Science Accurately: A magical mystery tour of advanced analytics

“I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something.” —Richard Feynman

The language of data science has become commonplace in boardrooms and breakrooms with terms like Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Computing, NLP & Text Analytics and Deep Learning. But do we know what they mean? Moreover, can we explain these concepts to our mother?

As data champions, we need to be able to explain a complex technology, quantitative methods and approaches to problem-solving in simple, easily-understood terms, not because senior leadership needs it explained simply to understand it, but as proof that we do.

In this panel discussion, we will hear from a variety of experts with perspectives that range from technology companies to management consulting to clinicians. The objective of this discussion is to unravel the "big idea" of each concept and be able to explain not only what the concept is, but provide practical examples of how each can be used and what's likely to be involved in actually doing it.

Moderator:

Brooks Adcock

Brooks Adcock is a sucker for intractable problems. At NCSU he used machine learning and electrodes to read minds. At the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas, he used machine learning again to create mechanically-optimal, submersible robots for the "Dancing Orbs" show at the main entertainment feature. At Google X he didn't use machine learning (ironically), instead he helped design autonomous flying wind turbines. At The Lunatic Fringe he used AI and crowdsourcing to find clean toilets for those in urgent need. Currently, at Dude Solutions, he runs Black Ops and can't really talk about it (but it involves AI), and Smashing Boxes is his favorite co-conspirator.

Speakers:

Greg Nelson, MMCi, CPHIMS

Greg serves as the chief strategist, thinker, builder, teacher, writer, and inspire-er at ThotWave, an analytics advisory, and education firm. With over two decades of experience and leadership in strategy consulting and the implementation of large scale analytics projects, Greg serves customers on the front lines of healthcare. He is a prolific writer and speaker and have served on the board of both non-profit and commercial organizations. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, did Ph.D. work in Social Psychology and Quantitative Methods at the University of Georgia, and earned a master’s degree from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

Marc Vaglio-Laurin

Marc is Product Designer for Advanced Analytics at Qlik. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Marc has watched analytics progress from a ‘back room’ function to a discipline that is now recognized and embraced as a sophisticated means for gaining competitive advantage across industries and functional areas.

During his career, Marc has worked in Product Management/Product Design, Professional Services,Education, Alliance Development, Technical Support, and has held roles of Systems Engineer andTechnical Architect – all within the Analytics Software industry. He has domain experience in FinancialServices, Higher Education, and Telecommunications.

Marc is committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement, having graduated from DukeUniversity’s MBA program and Northwestern University’s MS in Predictive Analytics program. He completed the Johns Hopkins University Data Science certificate program, primarily to develop mastery of the R programming language. Marc also holds a BS degree in Economics from New York University. Heis currently pursuing a PhD in Management and Decision Sciences. Marc resides in Cary, NC, and is the proud father of two teenaged children.

Additional Information

Where to park: Limited street parking is available along Blackwell Street and there is paid public parking on the first floor of all parking garages. East Parking Deck (250 South Mangum Street) is located between DPAC and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. South Parking Deck (705 Willard Street) is attached to American Tobacco Campus. Detailed parking maps can be found on the American Tobacco Campus website (https://americantobaccocampus.com/parking). ;

How to find us at SB: Smashing Boxes is located at 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 240 Durham, NC 27701. Street entrance is between Moe’s and the Durham Bulls baseball field. If entering from the street, you will take the elevator to the 2nd floor and find SB on the right. Alternatively, you can enter from the backside of the building. This entrance is adjacent to the baseball field and Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. Once inside the building you will head straight back and find SB on the right.