Subbian Works to Expand Data Literacy

How well do we interpret, ask questions of, and gain meaning from the deluge of information in the modern day? For many of us, the answer is not very well. Assistant professor Vignesh Subbian is working alongside a group of data-fluent UA researchers determined to change that.

To tackle the data literacy gap, Subbian, data science specialist Jeffrey Oliver and their colleagues are employing several skill-focused programs, such as workshops offering specific hands-on training. A Data Science Ambassadors program, launched last year, also connects researchers to the cyber-infrastructure, computational power and human expertise needed to exploit data science research tools.

"From the arts to the sciences and engineering, data science is quantitatively and qualitatively transforming research," Subbian said. "However, it is upon us to increase capacity among our students and faculty and help them to take advantage of the expanding landscape of data science tools."