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We hope everyone is having a great week! Check out our April workshops!
- Consulting Drop-in Hours -

D-Lab Consulting Room

We are continuing to offer drop-in
consulting Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm. 
Stop by our virtual front desk
to speak with a consultant. 

Browse our list of consultants
or check out our drop-in hours schedule.

 

- Blog Post -


Projects as a Learning Tool
By Emily Grabowski

"Let’s say you’re new to programming, or maybe you’ve coded before but you’re tackling a new concept. You’ve read a blog post or taken a workshop, and have a general sense of what is going on. But how do you take this to the next level? One of my favorite ways to dive into a new technique is to simply try it out.
With coding, learning by doing is one of the best ways to improve. When I started learning Python..."

To learn more about how Emily uses Projects as a method of learning, view Emily's full blog here!

- Job Opportunity at D-Lab -

D-Lab is hiring two MAXQDA Instructors

We are hiring two paid MAXQDA Instructors to lead our workshops. Applicants should have experience using advanced features of the software and be willing to design new workshop content. This role will work closely with D-Lab's Executive Director. Advanced workshop topics include using MAXQDA to write a literature review or research paper. Please apply here.

- Featured Events-

Computational Social Science Forum: 

Decoding the Digital Gender Gap: Online Gender Bias is Stronger in Images than text

April 12 | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM | Register for Forum

Speakers: Douglas Guilbeault and Solène Delecourt

Women are systematically underrepresented in high status occupations and social categories, constituting a pervasive gender gap in society. What is more, recent advances in computational linguistics show that biases in gender representation are deeply woven into the texts that people consume, produce, and exchange on a daily basis, such as books, print media, and online blogs. However, text is only one of the many modalities through which cultural knowledge is exchanged. Human communication is also embodied and involves numerous image-based approaches to encoding and exchanging cultural associations. We predict that online images will encode a greater bias in gender representation than text, since images often depict the embodied person, where visual cues readily elicit the identification of gender. By contrast, in text, it is possible to describe people generically without specifying gender, e.g., by referring to someone as the doctor or the banker. By comparing leading techniques for automatically detecting gender bias in text and images, our results suggest that text-based measures of gender stereotypes may significantly underestimate the gender gap in society.

Click here for more information about the Computational Social Science Forum!


Digital Humanities Fair 2021
April 21 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Register for the Fair

The Digital Humanities Fair (DH Fair) is an annual event that offers the UC Berkeley community the opportunity to share projects at various stages of development, receive invaluable feedback from peers, and reflect on the field more broadly. This year's event will feature speakers and lightning talks. 

Share Your Work!
Propose a lightning talk for the DH Fair! We are currently accepting proposals for lightning talks on DH-related projects at any stage of completion. Talks should be 3 minutes in length and limited to 1-2 slides. The priority deadline is Monday, April 12th.

Stay tuned for more details.


- Featured Job Opportunity -

Computational Social Science Lab Instructor

The sociology department is recruiting a GSI or Lecturer to serve as the Lab Instructor for Computational Social Science this Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. This two-semester course provides a rigorous introduction to methods and tools in advanced data analytics for social science doctoral students. The goal of the course is to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge of core methods, thereby preparing them to contribute to research teams, conduct their own research, and enroll in more advanced courses. The course will cover research reproducibility (fall), machine learning (fall), natural language processing (spring), and causal inference (spring).

The application deadline is April 12. Click here for more details and to learn how to apply!


- Upcoming D-Lab Workshops -

R Functional Programming
April 7 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

This workshop helps you to step up your R skills with functional programming. The purrr package provides easy-to-use tools to automate repeated things in your entire R workflow (e.g., wrangling, modeling, and visualization). The end result is cleaner, faster, more readable and extendable code. I highly recommend you to take this workshop (1) if you still write copy-and-paste code, (2) exclusively rely on for loops for automation, and (3) want to know about the joy and power of R functional programming.


Introduction to Bash + Git
April 9 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

An introduction to programming basics in Bash and GitHub that are often assumed, but that you might have never had good instruction on! The first half of this workshop will introduce you to navigating your computer’s filesystem and basic Bash commands...The second half of this workshop will introduce you to Git, a powerful tool for keeping track of changes you make to the files in a project. 


Qualtrics Fundamentals
April 9 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

This workshop will introduce students to the basics of designing a survey instrument using the Qualtrics platform, such as randomization and survey flow. We will also cover more advanced topics like implementing embedded data and using javascript, as well as tips and tricks on how to use your design to maximize the number of quality responses you get.


R Visualization
April 9 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

This workshop will provide an introduction to graphics in R with ggplot2. Participants will learn how to construct, customize, and export a variety of plot types in order to visualize relationships in data. We will also explore the basic grammar of graphics, including the aesthetics and geometry layers, adding statistics, transforming scales, and coloring or panelling by groups. You will learn how to make histograms, boxplots, scatterplots, lineplots, and heatmaps as well as how to make compound figures. The bonus challenge walks you though how to make geographic maps using the Google Maps API. 


R Data Wrangling and Manipulation
April 12 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

It is often said that 80% of data analysis is spent on the process of cleaning and preparing the data. This R workshop will introduce tools (notably dplyr and tidyr) that makes data wrangling and manipulation much easier. Participants will learn how to use these packages to subset and reshape data sets, do calculations across groups of data, clean data, and other useful stuff.


Python Data Wrangling and Manipulation with Pandas
April 12 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

Pandas is a Python package providing fast, flexible, and expressive data structures designed to make working with 'relational' or 'labeled' data both easy and intuitive. It enables doing practical, real-world data analysis in Python. In this workshop, we'll work with example data and go through the various steps you might need to prepare data for analysis.


HTML/CSS Toolkit for Digital Projects
April 12 | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM | Register for Zoom Link

If you've tinkered in WordPress, Google Sites, or other web publishing tools, chances are you've wanted more control over the placement and appearance of your content. With a little HTML and CSS under your belt, you'll know how to edit "under the hood" so you can place an image exactly where you want it, customize the formatting of text, or troubleshoot copy & paste issues. By the end of this workshop, interested learners will be well prepared for a deeper dive into the world of web design.


Python Visualization
April 14 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

For this workshop, we'll provide an introduction to visualization with Python. We'll cover visualization theory and plotting with Matplotlib and Seaborn, working through examples in a Jupyter (formerly IPython) notebook. The following plot types will be covered: line, bar, scatter, boxplot. We'll also learn about styles and customizing plots. Throughout the workshop, we'll discuss the plot types best suited for particular kinds of data. Basic familiarity with the Python programming language is assumed.


R Introduction to Machine Learning Tidymodels: Parts 1-2
April 19, 21 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

We will discuss basic features of supervised machine learning algorithms including k-nearest neighbor, linear regression, decision tree, random forest, boosting, and ensembling using the tidymodels framework.


Python Introduction to Machine Learning Tidymodels: Parts 1-2
April 19, 21 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Register for Zoom Link

This workshop introduces students to scikit-learn, the popular machine learning library in Python, as well as the auto-ML library built on top of scikit-learn, TPOT. The focus will be on scikit-learn syntax and available tools to apply machine learning algorithms to datasets.


To see a calendar view of our upcoming April 2021 Workshops, click here!

- Research Data Spotlight -

Introducing CJARS, a New Data Platform for Integrated Criminal Justice Research

In partnership with the US Census Bureau and federal and state justice departments, the University of Michigan has just launched CJARS: the Criminal Justice Administrative Records System. Updated daily, CJARS provides a nationally integrated repository of longitudinal, multi-jurisdictional data harmonized and linked to track individuals through the criminal justice system across space and time. It has been built for integration with socio-economic survey and administrative Census data, making it a rich and important resource for multi-faceted criminal justice research. As a restricted-use dataset, CJARS is only available through the Federal Statistical Research Data Center Network, of which Berkeley is a member. 

To jumpstart research a CJARS-NSF fellowship competition is currently underway which will grant $10,000 stipends to recipients. To find out more see the CJARS website starting with the introductory webinar.


- DSUS Workshops -

Want to learn data analytics, data visualization, and data management skills??
The students in the Data Science Undergraduate Studies (DSUS) are hosting a peer-led workshop series. The goal of the workshop series is to provide attendees a brief overview of data science tools and applications such as Plotly, R, SQL, and methods for social science. The series will be led by DSUS Data Peer Consultants. Come to any or all that are of interest to you.

See workshop descriptions below and click HERE to sign up. 

Intro to Plotly
April 9  |  3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Plotly is a versatile and flexible plotting Python package to create dynamic and interactive visuals, and is used in industry as an advanced data analytics platform. This workshop is intended for those with basic Python programming and data visualization experience (Data 8).

Intro to R
April 13  |  3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
R is an extremely versatile language for data analytics and seeing useful data visualizations. It is commonly used in the industry as well as in research. This workshop caters to students who have little to no experience in R.

Intro to SQL
April 15  |  3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
SQL is an important language for data management with many relevant applications in the industry today. This workshop aims to provide an introduction to the language, its significance, and dive into programming basics with it. This workshop is open to anyone -- even with no prior programming knowledge.

To register and receive the zoom link for these upcoming workshops from DSUS, click hereThe deadline to register is Wednesday, April 7.


- Summer Session -

Sign Up For CALI-DH Online Today!

Are you interested in developing transferable competencies that are attractive to employers and academic programs? In our digital humanities program, the UC Berkeley Cultural Analytics Learning Institute for Digital Humanities (CALI-DH), you will explore questions about art and culture using digital tools. By pairing computational methods and domain specialization you can better understand complex phenomena and cultures and how computational analysis influences what you see.  CALI-DH Online will guide you through the entire process of identifying relevant cultural artifacts and archives, curating your own subset of data, conducting advanced research, and communicating your findings.

To learn more about the courses offered this summer please visit here!

- Upcoming Event  -

Tawana Petty, Beyond the OutchL Activating Anti-racist in Data and Digital Spaces
April 14  |  2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Register

For years, we have witnessed expansive dialogue in response to the growing wisdom that racial bias is quite often baked into our data, digital and technological systems. What are some ways we can begin to systematize our evolving anti-racism understanding, get activated to shape policy and counter harmful narratives and discourse that often lead to reactionary innovation? This talk seeks to deepen questions and analysis and encourage activation towards collaboration.

Click here for more details!


- Jobs & External Opportunities  -

PIT-UN Postdoc Researcher

Professor Deirdre Mulligan and Associate Professor Jenna Burrell are seeking a Postdoc Researcher to work on a year-long project funded through the Public Interest Technology - University Network’s, (PIT-UN) 2020 Network Challenge Grants. This position is housed within the Algorithmic Fairness and Opacity Working Group and will work directly with Professor Deirdre Mulligan and Associate Professor Jenna Burrell as part of the Algorithmic, Fairness, and Opacity Group (AFOG), and will meet with and benefit from the advising and mentorship of Diana Lizarraga, Director of Cal NERDS and Claudia Natalia von Vacano PhD, Executive Director of the D-Lab.

The application deadline is April 16. Click here for more details and to learn how to apply!


Media Communications Specialist

The Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) seeks a motivated, collaborative, and creative communications professional to help tell their story and extend their reach to a diverse set of audiences. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Communications Specialist will work independently to create and curate content that aligns with the Division’s communication strategies and targets key audiences, including prospective and current undergraduate and graduate students, donors, alumni, faculty, and external partners. 

The first review date is April 15. Click here to learn more and here to apply!


GIS Web Programmer

The Informatics and GIS Program in the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is recruiting a GIS web developer. This is a great opportunity for someone with a background in open source GIS and web development, who enjoys building information tools to support natural resource management and agriculture. This new position will be based at Davis or Berkeley, with the possibility of working remotely. 

The application deadline is May 2. For more info and to apply, see the announcement!


College of Letters & Science Graduate Mentor

The College of Letters and Sciences is seeking two graduate students from the areas of Arts & Humanities, Biological Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics & Physical Science, Social Sciences, and/or students with liberal arts backgrounds currently studying in professional school programs to mentor L&S undergraduates. Mentors will assist the L&S advising team in the expansion of advising tools and programs aimed at supporting undergraduates’ exploration of a broad-based liberal arts education.

The application deadline is May 4. Click here to learn more and email mdepalma@berkeley.edu to apply!


BIMI Academic Coordinator

The Berkeley Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative (BIMI) at the University of California, Berkeley is seeking applications for an Academic Program Coordinator. BIMI is a campus initiative to advance research, training and public outreach on human mobility, immigrants’ integration and the ways migration transforms societies around the world. The expected start date of this full-time, 2-year position is April 2021. The position may be renewed for an additional year.

The application deadline is April 19. Click here for more details and to learn how to apply!


Simons Institute Law and Society Fellowship

The Institute invites researchers from the humanities, social sciences, law, and related disciplines to apply for the semester-long Law and Society Fellowship, for the Spring 2022 programs on "Causality" and "Learning and Games" and the Fall 2022 program on "Data-Driven Decision Processes." Note, for the Spring 2022 semester, the Law and Society Fellow can join either or both Spring programs.  Descriptions of these programs and other information about the Institute can be found at simons.berkeley.edu.

The application deadline is April 30. Click here to learn more and apply!


Support D-Lab
Join our community of donors by making a gift to D-Lab. Contributions of any size will support free, inclusive workshops and resources for the UC Berkeley community. Give today!

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