Reflecting on the ADSA 2024 Conference

From October 29-31, 2024, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at the Academic Data Science Alliance (ADSA) 2024 annual meeting held at the Michigan League in Ann Arbor. This year’s theme, Data Science and AI – Keeping Humans in the Loop, gathered data science professionals, researchers, and educators to explore how we can maintain human-centered approaches in the rapid evolution of data science and AI. Over these three days, the energy was electric, with participants dedicated to aligning AI and data technologies with human values, ethics, and social good.

Highlights from the Data for Good for Education Workshop

On October 30, I co-facilitated the Data for Good in Education workshop, which aimed to bring educators together to share ideas on integrating social impact into data science education. Whether participants were newcomers to this approach or seasoned advocates, the sessions fostered deep conversations on practical ways to support socially impactful student projects.

The day kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote on defining “data for good” within educational contexts. Morning discussions focused on how institutions can incorporate socially responsible projects into their curricula. The afternoon featured hands-on sessions where participants shared their own skills, experiences, and resources to build a toolkit of effective teaching practices and project ideas. We wrapped up with a lively networking reception and poster session, where attendees could connect, exchange insights, and showcase ongoing projects.

MTEDS24 Workshop: Ethics in Data Science Education

In addition to the Data for Good sessions, I co-chaired the Methods for Teaching Ethics in Data Science (MTEDS24) workshop with Thomas Arnold. This half-day workshop focused on developing accessible, high-quality case studies to teach ethics to data science undergraduates. Building on the success of last year’s MTEDS workshop at Tufts, this year’s session encouraged participants to consider the ethical implications of various data science methodologies, from bias and privacy to fairness and responsible AI use.

The session was interactive, with attendees reviewing case studies, discussing ethical challenges in data science, and working together to refine these materials for use in the classroom. The day’s discussions underscored the need for a solid ethical foundation in data science education, helping prepare students to navigate the complex ethical landscapes they will encounter in their careers.

Key Takeaways and Reflections

The ADSA 2024 Annual Meeting was a powerful reminder of the essential role that humans play in shaping data science and AI. Each workshop, panel, and discussion session provided new insights into how we, as a community, can advance these fields responsibly. From ethics in data science education to fostering social good projects, it’s clear that the focus on human-centered practices is both necessary and growing.

I’m especially grateful to the Data for Good in Education organizing team for their assistance and for welcoming us into this impactful workshop. A heartfelt thank you to Karl Schmitt, Naomi Alterman, Dharma Dailey, Katherine Walden, for their guidance and collaboration.