Meet A Data Scientist-Alberto Cairo

If you have ever wondered what data scientists do, the University of Miami Institute for Data Science and Computing (IDSC) is giving you an opportunity to learn about this important, multifaceted profession. On November 4, IDSC is launching a series of “Meet a Data Scientist” talks with Alberto Cairo, PhD, a national expert on the use of data in visual graphics and journalism.

“This exciting new series will introduce the people behind the data, their lives, interests, and career choices,” said Nick Tsinoremas, PhD, IDSC director, vice provost for research computing and data, and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, computer science, and health informatics. “This is a great opportunity to understand how these professionals use data to solve grand challenges in their respective fields.”

Here is the schedule of “Meet a Data Scientist” virtual talks held on Zoom from 4:00-5:00 PM:

Alberto Cairo, November 4, 2020 | (Post-event summary)
Ben Kirtman , November 18, 2020 | (Post-event summary)
Tim Norris, December 9, 2020 | (Post-event summary)
Ken Goodman, January 14, 2021 |  (Post-event video and summary here.)
Yelena Yesha, January 27, 2021 | (Post-event video and summary here.)
Mitsu Ogihara, Rescheduled | DATE FORTHCOMING

The first talk will feature Dr. Cairo, director of IDSC Visualization, Data Communication, and Information Design; the Knight Chair in Visual Journalism; and an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Media Management and the Department of Interactive Media.

Dr. Cairo has an extensive career in the news industry and has consulted with media organizations and educational institutions in more than 30 countries. He currently works as a consultant for Google and the Congressional Budget Office. Microsoft has called Dr. Cairo a pioneer who’s always been “at the vanguard of visual journalism.”

He is the author of the several books, including:

• How Charts Lie: Getting Smarter About Visual Information (W. W. Norton 2019)
• The Functional Art: An Introduction to Information Graphics and Visualization (Peachpit Press/Pearson Education 2012), and
• The Truthful Art: Data, Charts, and Maps for Communication (Peachpit Press/Pearson Education 2016).

He has also written popular articles for numerous publications, such as The New York Times and Scientific American. In 2019, he was named an honorary member of the International Statistical Institute.

Story by Richard Westlund