Event

In the Feb. 28 installment of the Server-side Chat Series, Jason Westman shared his career journey and key lessons learned from his experience in IT, engineering, and product ownership.

Starting in a remote area, Jason worked his way up from a manager position at FedEx to a senior management role, where he navigated complex contract negotiations and corporate shifts. His career trajectory exemplifies an opportunistic mindset, embracing change, and leveraging diverse experiences before moving into leadership positions. 

In today’s data-driven world, raw numbers aren’t enough. The real power lies in transforming data into actionable insights that drive strategic decisions.

Few people understand this better than Betsy (Elizabeth) Santillo Amato, vice president and manager of business analytics at First National Bank. On February 14, 2025, the Server-side Chat Series welcomed Betsy to share her expertise on bridging the gap between data science and business strategy—a skill that is becoming increasingly essential in finance and beyond. 

RDS@Pitt is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming 3 Rivers Venture Fair (3RVF), where industry and academic leaders will convene to explore emerging trends, investments, and innovations shaping the future.

One key highlight of the event will be the panel discussion titled “The Responsible Use of Data & AI and the Use of Data for Good,” which promises to deliver thought-provoking insights from experts across multiple sectors. 

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and increasing data ubiquity, RDS@Pitt (Responsible Data Science initiative at the University of Pittsburgh) stands at the forefront of integrating responsible practices into data science training for all.

During the Data Science Day event, critical insights were gained from industry leaders, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations, privacy, and real-world applications in several Southwestern Pennsylvania regions.

How to Be the Data Science Sorcerer and Not the Sorcerer's Apprentice 

Recently, RDS@Pitt had the pleasure of presenting at an event affectionately dubbed "RDS@Pitt goes to Disneyland."  

The talk, presented by Andrew Hannah, chair for the External Advisory Board, and Michael Colaresi, associate vice provost for data science used the timeless tale of the Sorcerer's Apprentice as a powerful metaphor to underscore the importance of responsible data science.

Reflecting on the 2023 Data Science Leadership Summit: Insights and Innovations

The 2023 Data Science Leadership Summit, hosted by the Academic Data Science Alliance (ADSA) brought together leaders in data science from across academia, industry, and government. Held on May 8, the summit focused on the evolving landscape of data science, fostering discussions on leadership, innovation, and the future of the field.