Los Angeles KNIME Users

KNIME Data Connect: Los Angeles will be held at the USC Campus on October 15, 2025. The event will feature an Introduction to the KNIME Analytics Platform and its latest features, along with insights from USC experts on real-world success stories and use cases.

Event Agenda:

5:30 PM – 5:35 PM | Welcome & Kickoff, Francesca Kubica, MAIA

5:35 PM – 6:20 PM | Introduction to KNIME Analytics Platform & AI Developments, Scott Fincher, KNIME

6:20 PM – 6:40 PM | Presentation by Ian S Haworth and Dennis Zheng - Leveraging KNIME for Data Science Instruction and Research Practices

6:40 PM – 7:10 PM | Presentation by Saty - Exploring KNIME: From Intro Data Science to Hackathons (GRIDS 2023), Visual Dataflows, and Enabling Agentic AI

7:20 PM – 8:00 PM | Networking

Speakers:

Saty
Associate Professor of CS Practice at USC
Saty is an Associate Professor of CS Practice at USC. For the past 21 years, Saty has been teaching a mix of courses that span the entire CS curriculum from Freshman to the graduate level: a general education (GE) course on exploring computing, a data science undergrad course, introductory programming (C++, Java, Python), advanced CG, frontend development, search engines and databases.
Saty has 21 years of experience in the CG visual effects and animation industry. From '93 to '96, Saty was senior graphics software developer and software manager at MetroLight Studios, one of Hollywood's pioneering CG production studios that helped launch the amazing graphics industry that we have today. From 1996 to 2012, Saty was senior graphics software developer (11 years) and senior training specialist and training manager (5 years) at DreamWorks Animation, where he worked on (has movie credits for) 20 films such as the Shrek series, Madagascar, Puss in Boots, How To Train Your Dragon, etc.

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Ian S. Haworth
Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ian Haworth received his PhD from University of Liverpool, UK (adviser: Prof. Raymond J. Abraham), 1986–1989, in physical organic chemistry, and conducted postdoctoral work at Oxford University, UK (adviser: Prof. W. Graham Richards), 1989–1992. He joined USC in 1992.

Zipeng Zheng (Dennis), MS
Dennis Zheng is a Research Assistant in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he works in Dr. Ian Haworth’s laboratory.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Vermont and his master’s degree in Molecular Pharmacology from USC.
His research integrates computational chemistry and machine learning, with a focus on molecular docking, structure–activity modeling, and drug discovery applications. Dennis actively applies KNIME in his research for molecular informatics and predictive modeling. He also shares this expertise by leading workshops and mentoring students in pharmaceutical science.

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Scott Fincher
Data Scientist at KNIME
As an experienced Data Scientist, Scott Fincher routinely teaches, presents, and leads group workshops covering topics such as the KNIME Analytics Platform, Machine Learning, and the broad Data Science umbrella. He enjoys assisting other data scientists with general best practices and model optimization. For Scott, this is not just an academic exercise.

### Finding the Event Room: Edison Hall, inside Hoffman Hall (HOH), USC

Event Location:
Edison Hall, located on the lowest level of Hoffman Hall (HOH), USC. Hoffman Hall is situated between USC Gould School of Law and USC Bridge Hall.
Building Address:
Hoffman Hall (HOH)
701 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States

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Parking Directions:
Park at McCarthy Way Parking Structure via the McCarthy Way entrance.

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Walking Directions from Parking Structure:

1. Walk alongside Doheny Library.
2. When you see the USC Price School of Public Policy, turn right onto W 36th St.
3. Continue until you reach the USC Financial Aid Office. Take the path on the right side, then turn right again onto Downey Way.
4. You will see Hoffman Hall on your left, just past Crocker Plaza with the fountain.
5. Enter Hoffman Hall and take the stairs or elevator to the lowest level to reach Edison Hall, located at the center of the floor.

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Additional References:

• USC Campus Map – Use this map during your visit for navigation.