Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science

Supporting a culture of data literacy

The Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science recognizes the paramount importance of data literacy in today's world.

 

Supported by a generous gift from Libby Connolly Alexander and Robert Alexander, our institute is dedicated to cultivating a comprehensive understanding of data science concepts and methodologies among the Tulane community. By fostering data literacy, we aim to empower individuals to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation in the data-driven landscape. In an era driven by data, possessing the skills to effectively navigate and comprehend information is vital. Data literacy entails not only the ability to analyze numerical data and visualizations but also the capacity to critically evaluate, interpret, and communicate data insights. With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace and the exponential growth of data, developing a solid foundation in data literacy has become essential.

AI

Register Now for New Courses on Applied AI, Data Analysis, and Data Visualization


 

The Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science (CAIDS) at Tulane University announces the introduction of its innovative courses on foundational principles of data science, methodologies of data analysis and visualization, and the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Our new courses require no prerequisites and are appropriate for all students, including those with no background in programming, mathematics, and statistics. Class sizes are small by design and all data skills are taught in class. 

  • DATA-2150 Applied Generative AI, developed and taught by Professor Knud E. Berthelsen, is a hands-on course that provides students with practical experience employing generative AI to perform real-world tasks. Students learn to effectively collect accurate historical and real-time information, generate high-quality text and media, transform content between formats, analyze data to derive insights and deploy generative AI to tackle private and professional challenges.
     
  • DATA-2020: Data Analysis, developed and taught by Professor Lisa M. Dilks, has been designed to offer students an in-depth overview of quantitative data interpretation. Ranging from hypothesis testing to regression analyses, the course ensures a solid grasp of the nuances of data analytics.
     
  • DATA-2030 Data Visualization, developed and taught by Professor Jacquelyne Thoni Howard, dives into the essential techniques of visual data representation while emphasizing the ethical considerations inherent to the field. It offers students a detailed understanding of presenting and interpreting data narratives.
     

The new courses join the foundational DATA-1010 Introduction to Data. Aimed at fostering data literacy, this course equips students with the skills required to effectively interpret and utilize data in various facets of their lives.

“We want to equip our students with practical skills for the real world," says Senior Program Manager Joey Couvillon.   Executive Director Patrick Button adds, "CAIDS is committed to bridging the gap between technological advancements and hands-on education. As AI and data science continue to evolve, it's vital for students to gain practical experience that aligns with contemporary applications."

Events

Hacking Your Mind: Weapons of Influence

Film Screening and DiscussionHacking Your Mind: Weapons of Destruction  

Tuesday, October 24, 5 to 7 pm Refreshments Served,  7 pm

Stone Auditorium, Woldenberg Art Center 

Co-sponsored with Tulane University Libraries and Tulane University Center Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence  (TU: CEAI)

Joining the discussion are :  

  • Dr. Caryn Bell,  Assistant Professor, Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Science & TU:CEAI Faculty
  • Dr. Jacquelyne Thoni Howard, Professor of Practice,  Connolly Alexander Institute of Data Science
  • Dr. Aron Culotta, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & Director of TU: CEAI
  • Dr. Nicholas Mattei, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & TU:CEAI Faculty

AI Lecture Flyer

Lecture: What Artificial Intelligence Means for Diversity in Recruitment and Beyond

Please join the Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science for a lecture by Mallory Avery on Monday, September 18, at 2 p.m. in Rogers Memorial Chapel.

Dr. Avery is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Science of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging with the Economics Department of Monash University.  She received her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and her B.S. in Economics and Psychology from Tulane University. Her research and teaching interests include Labor and Health economics with a focus on Diversity and Inclusion. 

In her work, Dr. Avery uses observational data and lab, field, and online experiments. Her current research agenda is focused on understanding the role of AI, remote work, affirmative action, and other gender-based labor policies on women’s labor market outcomes and on the effects of mental health and substance abuse legislation on mortality.

This lecture is co-sponsored with the Department of Economics and the Tulane University Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence (TU:CEAI).

AI

Register Now for New Courses on Applied AI, Data Analysis, and Data Visualization

The Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science (CAIDS) at Tulane University announces the introduction of its innovative courses on foundational principles of data science, methodologies of data analysis and visualization, and the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Our new courses require prerequisites and are appropriate for all students, including those with no background in programming, mathematics, and statistics. Class sizes are small by design and all data skills are taught in class.  

DATA-2150 Applied Generative AI, developed and taught by Professor Knud E. Berthelsen, is a hands-on course that provides students with practical experience employing generative AI to perform real-world tasks. Students learn to effectively collect accurate historical and real-time information, generate high-quality text and media, transform content between formats, analyze data to derive insights and deploy generative AI to tackle private and professional challenges.

DATA-2020: Data Analysis, developed and taught by Professor Lisa M. Dilks, has been designed to offer students an in-depth overview of quantitative data interpretation. Ranging from hypothesis testing to regression analyses, the course ensures a solid grasp of the nuances of data analytics.

DATA-2030 Data Visualization, developed and taught by Professor Jacquelyne Thoni Howard, dives into the essential techniques of visual data representation while emphasizing the ethical considerations inherent to the field. It offers students a detailed understanding of presenting and interpreting data narratives.

The new courses join the foundational DATA-1010 Introduction to Data. Aimed at fostering data literacy, this course equips students with the skills required to effectively interpret and utilize data in various facets of their lives.

“We want to equip our students with practical skills for the real world," says Senior Program Manager Joey Couvillon.   Executive Director Patrick Button adds, "CAIDS is committed to bridging the gap between technological advancements and hands-on education. As AI and data science continue to evolve, it's vital for students to gain practical experience that aligns with contemporary applications."

Hacking Your Mind: Weapons of Influence

Film Screening and DiscussionHacking Your Mind: Weapons of Destruction  

Tuesday, October 24, 5 to 7 pm Refreshments Served,  7 pm

Stone Auditorium, Woldenberg Art Center 

Co-sponsored with Tulane University Libraries and Tulane University Center Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence  (TU: CEAI)

Joining the discussion are :  

  • Dr. Caryn Bell,  Assistant Professor, Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Science & TU:CEAI Faculty
  • Dr. Jacquelyne Thoni Howard, Professor of Practice,  Connolly Alexander Institute of Data Science
  • Dr. Aron Culotta, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & Director of TU: CEAI
  • Dr. Nicholas Mattei, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & TU:CEAI Faculty