Data Science

Python GPT Fundamentals

March 4, 2025, 10:00am
This workshop offers a general introduction to the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformers) model. No technical background is required. We will explore the transformer architecture upon which GPT models are built, how transformer models encode natural language into embeddings, and how GPT predicts text.

Teaching Truth, Resisting Erasure: Disability Politics in a Changing America

February 25, 2025
Jane (Mango) Angar
by Jane (Mango) Angar. Disability is a social construct shaped by systemic exclusion rather than an inherent impairment. Society predominantly views disability through medical and economic lenses, leading to discrimination and marginalization. Disability rights have been hard-won through activism, yet disabled individuals still face poverty, social isolation, and violence. Recent policy rollbacks threaten disability protections, requiring vigilance from educators and advocates. Historical patterns show that marginalized groups are often the first targets of oppressive regimes. Teaching history with truth and resilience is an act of resistance. Activism, awareness, and collective action remain crucial in defending disability rights and promoting social justice.

Qualtrics Fundamentals (90 minutes)

May 16, 2025, 10:00am
Qualtrics is a powerful online tool available to Berkeley community members that can be used for a range of data collection activities. Primarily, Qualtrics is designed to make web surveys easy to write, test, and implement, but the software can be used for data entry, training, quality control, evaluation, market research, pre/post-event feedback, and other uses with some creativity.

LLMs for Exploratory Research

March 20, 2025, 10:00am
In a fast evolving artificial intelligence landscape, LLMs such as GPT have become a common buzzword. In the research community, their advantages and pitfalls are hotly debated. In this workshop, we will explore different chatbots powered by LLMs, beyond just ChatGPT. Our main goal will be to understand how LLMs can be used by researchers to conduct early-stage (or exploratory) research. Throughout the workshop, we will discuss best practices for prompt engineering and heuristics to evaluate the suitability of an LLM's output for our research purposes. Though the workshop primarily focuses on early-stage research, we will briefly discuss the use cases of LLMs in later stages of research, such as data analysis and writing.

Python Fundamentals: Parts 1-4

May 5, 2025, 12:00pm
This four-part interactive workshop series is your complete introduction to programming Python for people with little or no previous programming experience. By the end of the series, you will be able to apply your knowledge of basic principles of programming and data manipulation to a real-world social science application.

Andrea Lukas

UTech
Computer Science
Data Science

Hi everyone! I'm Andrea Lukas, a 3rd-year student majoring in Computer Science and Data Science at UC Berkeley. I'm passionate about UI/UX design and AI-centered human-computer interaction, and I'm actively involved in Computational Cognition research using Large Language Models (LLMs). As the Manager at D-Lab, I'm excited to contribute to the team by optimizing operations and fostering collaboration.

Outside of my academic and professional work, I’m an active member of Berkeley's Dance Community, where I participate in various teams. I also enjoy discovering new matcha spots and...

Teaching Data Science as a Tool for Empowerment

February 18, 2025
Elijah Mercer
by Elijah Mercer. Data literacy is a powerful tool for empowerment, especially for historically marginalized communities. Through Data Cafecito at Roadmap to Peace and helping teach Data 4AC at UC Berkeley, Elijah Mercer helps bridge the gap between data, advocacy, and justice. Data Cafecito fosters culturally responsive data practices for Latinx-serving organizations, while Data 4AC challenges students to critically analyze data’s role in systemic inequities. Drawing from his experience in education, Mercer uses interactive teaching methods to make data accessible and meaningful. By centering storytelling and community-driven insights, he aims to equip individuals with the skills to use data for social change.

Lauren Chambers

Consultant
School of Information

Lauren Chambers is a Ph.D. student at the Berkeley School of Information, where she studies the intersection of data, technology, and sociopolitical advocacy with Prof. Deirdre Mulligan. Previously Lauren was the staff technologist at the ACLU of Massachusetts, where she explored government data in order to inform citizens and lawmakers about the effects of legislation and political leadership on our civil liberties. Lauren received her Bachelor's from Yale in 2017, where she double-majored in astrophysics and African American studies, and she spent two years after graduation in...

Sanjana Gajendran

Consultant
MIMS

I'm a second year MIMS Student with a focus on Data Science and Natural Language Processing. During the Summer 2023, I interned at Genentech as a Data Science Intern.

Thomas Lai

Consultant
School of Information

I am a Product Engineer passionate about applying engineering, data science, machine learning, and problem-solving principles to improve device performance and solve complex challenges. With experience in statistical analysis, lab bench automation, and Python scripting, I have developed a strong technical skill set that allows me to make meaningful contributions to any project. Beyond my work, I am also passionate about exploring new topics and ideas, from the latest technology trends to how to improve the overall well-being of humans. I enjoy applying the first principle to any...