Part 1: Why aren’t numbers just numbers? How data science and algorithms work in our lives

Part 1: Why aren’t numbers just numbers? How data science and algorithms work in our lives

"With the power of data also comes great responsibility. It is essential to understand and appreciate the societal and ethical implications of both the data and the models developed on the data. This must be done in tandem with the perceived use and value of data science innovation, driven by values and sound judgment." - Nitesh Chawla

Meet the Faculty Host

Presented by Roger Woodard

“This program is important to me because Notre Dame has a long tradition of fighting for the social good. That is why we focus not only on the rigorous technical side of data science, but also on the ethical side. Data science algorithms can streamline business processes, improve medical treatment and help us find the products we want.


“But when it comes to data science we need to realize that algorithms can work perfectly from a technical point of view, but have a negative impact on the people around us. In this program we are going to explore how that can happen.” — Roger Woodard, teaching professor in the Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, and director of the Online MS in Data Science.

When Numbers Lie: An Overview

Presented by Roger Woodard

Learn what data science tools can do and the ethical challenges they bring about. We’ll describe artificial intelligence, algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks — terms you may have heard before, but aren’t completely familiar with. 

Tech Ethics at Notre Dame

Presented by Mark McKenna

Algorithms and data shape our technologies and lives, and Notre Dame is providing an education on a range of technology and ethics issues through interdisciplinary research. 

View the Event

Presented by Roger Woodard

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Featured Speakers: 

  • Roger Woodard, Teaching Professor in the Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics and Director of the Online MS in Data Science, University of Notre Dame
  • Nitesh Chawla, the Frank M. Freimann Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Founding Director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society, University of Notre Dame

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Additional Resources

Presented by Roger Woodard

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