Fireside Chat- From Classroom to Career: How Students Can Harness Experiential Learning for Future Success

C2SMARTER’S Dr. Jingqin Gao will moderate a discussion with Prof. Gabriela Gongora-Svartzman from Carnegie Mellon University.

In this insightful fireside talk, we explore the synergy between data-driven careers, industry, and education, emphasizing the transformative power of data literacy in decision-making. Prof. Gongora-Svartzman will provide insights on maximizing the value of academic and experiential opportunities, bridging the gap between education and real-world applications, and offering guidance on post-graduation career transitions. Additionally, Prof. Gongora-Svartzman will delve into the pivotal role of technologists in building public trust through technology in the public sector and promoting tech for social good. She will address the critical importance of ethical data analysis, highlighting the role of data storytelling and visualization in projects. Join us to shape a future where data-driven professionals play a vital role in fostering positive societal impact.

BIO

Prof. Gongora-Svartzman serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor for Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, where she teaches various courses, including Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization with Python, Machine Learning Foundations with Python, and Data Analytics with Tableau. She also holds the role of faculty advisor for capstone projects for various graduate programs. Before joining CMU, she was an Adjunct Instructor at Stevens Institute of Technology’s Business Intelligence and Analytics Program and an Adjunct Associate Faculty at Columbia University’s Applied Analytics Program. Prof. Gongora-Svartzman’s research focuses on Urban Informatics, Data Visualization for Decision Making, and Resilience and Social Perception. Her work uniquely bridges technical service performance with human perceptions, covering areas like disaster preparedness through social media analysis, smart city service quality, social equity movements, transportation services, and decarbonization strategies. She actively contributes to the field as a member of INFORMS, leading sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving in various leadership roles. Beyond her academic pursuits, she champions women in STEM, diversity, equity, and inclusion in computing and mentors students in data competitions. She has also served as chair of the Early Career Teachers Network (ECTN 2021 and 2022), Secretary for Women in OR/MS (2021), current VP of Communications for Women in OR/MS (2022) and has been a mentor for the Women in OR/MS Mentorship program for 2019-2021.