Server-Side Chats

HAIL is bringing industry leaders to campus for casual, insightful conversations on the power of data.

These chats are a chance to connect with and gain real-world insights from leaders using data to drive impact!

The Server-side Chat Series is like a fireside chat but with a data-driven twist!

Upcoming Sessions

Ravit Dotan, PhD, Founder and CEO, TechBetter

December 4, 2025
4 p.m.
2500 Posvar Hall

Join us for our next Server-Side Chat on December 4, featuring Ravit Dotan, PhD, Founder and CEO, TechBetter.

Ravit Dotan, PhD, is an AI advisor. She helps people and organizations use AI thoughtfully and ethically to do meaningful work, rejecting both hype and fear-mongering. Her work encompasses AI adoption training, AI ethics advising, building no-code AI tools, and academic research on how to make AI ethics stick.

Dr. Dotan has worked with dozens of tech companies, investors, nonprofits, local governments, and other organizations on AI responsibility, from development to procurement to adoption, and she also offers training for individuals.

Dr. Dotan's recognition includes a PhD in philosophy from UC Berkeley, being named one of the "100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics" by Women in AI Ethics, and being a finalist for the "Responsible AI Leader of the Year" award by Women in AI.

You can follow her work on the AI Treasure Chest newsletter and her LinkedIn page.

All Pitt students, faculty, and partners are welcome to attend.

Register for the Dec. 4 Server-side Chat

Recent Sessions

See the featured speakers at earlier chat sessions.

Server-side Chat with Sundeep Tangirala, Senior Vice President and Director of Data Science, First National Bank 

Sundeep Tangirala, Senior Vice President and Director of Data Science, First National Bank 

October 29, 2025
4 p.m., 2500 Posvar Hall

Join us for our next Server-Side Chat on October 29, featuring Sundeep Tangirala, Senior Vice President and Director of Data Science at First National Bank (FNB).

As director of data science, Sundeep oversees the performance of FNB’s strategic decisioning systems and leads the development and maintenance of regulatory and forecasting models. He manages a team of data scientists and quantitative modeling analysts who generate insights to drive revenue, efficiency, and process improvements across the company.

Sundeep brings more than two decades of experience, with prior roles at PNC Bank and CGI. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Anna University (India), a Master of Science in business IT from Middlesex University (U.K.), and a machine learning certificate from Cornell University.

He also serves on the advisory board for the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

All Pitt students, faculty, and partners are welcome to attend.

Server-side Chat with Jason Westman, Director of IT, FedEx 

February 28, 2025
2 p.m., 2500 Posvar Hall

Join us for a conversation with Jason Westman. Westman, a Katz Executive MBA graduate and director of IT at FedEx, oversees global package network optimization.

Passionate about mentoring and learning, Jason offers insights into data science trends and career navigation. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned IT leader! And stick around after the session for light refreshments and networking.

Server-side Chat with Betsy Amato, Vice President and Manager of Business Analytics, First National Bank 

February 14, 2025
2 p.m., 2500 Posvar Hall

Meet Betsy (Elizabeth) Santillo Amato, vice president and manager of business analytics at First National Bank.

With over 20 years in financial services, Betsy leads a team that transforms complex data into actionable insights through visual storytelling and interactive dashboards.

A graduate of Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, Betsy combines strategic expertise with a passion for community impact.

Don't miss this chance to gain career advice and insights into data science and business analytics. 

“Server-side Chat” with Andy Hannah

The first Server-side Chat was part of the RDS@Pitt Winter Celebration, where the Pitt community was invited to celebrate the season with RDS@Pitt through a gathering of community, connection, and cheer.

This "server-side chat" featured career advice and what's next in tech with Andy Hannah, light food, and refreshments as we reflect and connect.

The session was followed by our final steering committee meeting, which was closed to the public.

“Server-side Chat” with Andy Hannah
December 13, 2024
2 p.m., 2500 Posvar Hall

This informal conversation will be led by Andy Hannah, chair of the RDS @Pitt Advisory Board and a seasoned leader in the data science field.

This session is a unique opportunity for Pitt students and anyone in the Pitt community, to gain valuable career advice, learn about the latest trends in data science, and ask questions about navigating the industry.

Whether you're just starting your journey or planning your next career move, this is the perfect chance to connect with an expert, engage in a thought-provoking discussion, and expand your knowledge of data science!

Food, Drink and Swag
2:30 p.m.

Steering Committee Meeting
3 p.m.
Closed to the public