Network

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. 

The University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR) is expanding its expertise in research and open data with the addition of two new appointments: Dr. Anita Zuberi and Jamaica Jones. These appointments reinforce UCSUR’s role in advancing data-driven insights and fostering open research initiatives across the University of Pittsburgh and beyond.

Understanding and advancing responsible data science requires more than technical expertise—it demands a nuanced approach to human behavior, organizational dynamics, and collaboration.

At its core, responsible data science thrives on trust, shared values, and effective communication, all of which are shaped by the people and systems within an organization.

Frameworks are loved because they turn chaos into clarity. They simplify decisions, boost confidence, and make complex problems manageable.

By blending structure with action, frameworks empower collaboration, innovation, and success—perfect tools for tackling big challenges 

At RDS@Pitt, we recognize the value of internships as a vital steppingstone for students eager to apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience in data science and analytics.

Our partnerships with industry leaders and organizations enable us to create meaningful opportunities that connect our students with professional pathways while meeting industry needs for skilled talent. 

This year, our collaborations span diverse sectors, from finance and retail to logistics and public service.