Campus Events
Data Storytelling, 2026-2027
Datafest 2027 – April 1-5, 2027!
2026-2027 Events
(For Students) Apply for the Advanced Data Competency Microcredential
Check out for the Advanced Data Competency Microcredential!
The Data Storytelling Working Group for Faculty and Staff, Fall 2026
Have you heard people talking about 鈥渄ata storytelling鈥 and wondered what all the buzz is about? Or perhaps you’ve already begun incorporating data storytelling into your own work and would like to learn new techniques, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from interested colleagues. Wherever you are in your data storytelling journey, this working group is designed for you.
This fall, Data Nexus is sponsoring a Data Storytelling Working Group built around The Data Storyteller’s Course, a self-paced online course developed by New Zealand data scientist Kat Greenbrook. Participants will:
- Complete the asynchronous online course at their own pace.
- Meet three times during the semester to discuss key concepts and share insights.
- Experiment with course tools and templates using sample datasets or their own data.
- Explore practical ways to incorporate data storytelling into research, teaching, and professional work.
To encourage participation, Data Nexus will reimburse the $99 course fee for participants who attend all three working group meetings. Participation is limited to 8 people, with spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Time and Location of meetings will be coordinated with participants.
(Sept 24) 0 to 70,000 followers in 1 year: how to use data to be an influencer
0 to 70,000 followers in 1 year: how to use data to be an influencer (Using Data to Tell Better Stories on Social Media)
Featuring Dr. Bill Evans, Elon Assistant Professor of Exercise Science | Thursday September 24| 4:30-5:30pm | Location: TBA | Appetizers will be provided |
We live in a 鈥渢ake culture,鈥 where everyone wants to know everyone else鈥檚 opinion, particularly in the sports and fitness industry. In fact, one of the most popular sports commentary shows is literally called First Take. But many of the claims we see online are based more on strong opinions than strong evidence.Over the past year, I鈥檝e grown an Instagram account to more than 70,000 followers by using scientific data to explore common questions, myths, and controversies in sports and fitness. The most successful posts do more than simply present research. They use data to tell a story.In this hands-on workshop, we鈥檒l explore the art of storytelling on social media, how to turn data into content people actually understand and care about. I鈥檒l show all the secrets to Instagram鈥檚 data and how it can shape the next story you tell. Attendees will leave with a step by step guide for how to use data to develop their content to increase their following.
(Oct 1) Introduction to CODAP (Common Online Data Analysis Platform)
Introduction to CODAP (Common Online Data Analysis Platform) Thursday, October 1st | 4:30 鈥 5:30 | Duke 205
During this workshop, you will learn about the capabilities of CODAP to analyze and visualize data. CODAP is a free online data analysis platform that has an easy to learn drag and drop environment. We will learn how to seamlessly import data, create basic data visualizations, use CODAP to find descriptive statistics, and more. This workshop is open to students, faculty, and staff.
(Oct 5) Power BI Workshop
October 5 | 4:30-5:30pm | Location: TBA |
Interested in learning a new data visualization tool. This will be a hands on workshop for Elon faculty, staff, and students with little to no knowledge of Power BI.
(Oct 7, For faculty and staff) Creating CODAP Documents for Exploring Data in the Classroom
Wednesday, October 7th | 4:30 鈥 5:30 | Duke 205
Creating CODAP Documents for Exploring Data in the Classroom 鈥 Have you ever been interested in allowing students to explore a dataset during your class, but don鈥檛 have time to teach students how to use a specific software tool. You should try CODAP! During this workshop you will learn how to set up a CODAP page that can be used by students during your classes. CODAP is very accessible and easy to use for students at all levels. Feel free to bring your own dataset to work on during the workshop. This workshop is intended for faculty and staff.
(Oct 21 & 28) Create Your Github Data Portfolio (2 part workshop)
October 21 & 28, 2026 | 4:30-5:30 | Locaton TBA
This is a workshop were you will work with others to tell your data story. Attendance will be asked to bring one or more product that they wish to include in their portfolio. Important aspects of the data story will be discussed as well as key components related to highlighting your data story on Github. Anyone who has completed or is in at least 2 Data Intensive classes (See Elon Data Nexus website for a list of these).
(Nov 3) Data visualization and Introductory Data Storytelling
Data visualization and Introductory Data Storytelling
with Drs. Brooks Depro and Anne York
November 3| 4:30-6:30pm|Duke 205
Pizza will be provided.
In this 2-hour evening workshop, 4:30鈥6:30 PM, students get hands-on practice building one visual, using data we provide and a short checklist to guide them. Second, they apply that same visual to their own spring work (a class paper, thesis, or other presentation). Participants will be required to bring a product like a paper, thesis, presentation, or research. The workshop ends with 2鈥3 volunteers giving 3-minute elevator pitches on their visuals.
(Nov 14) Fundamentals of Applied Improvisation for Data Communicators and Storytellers
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9AM-1PM | Belk Pavilion 208
This workshop will have a cap of 20 attendees, selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Bagels (breakfast) and Pizza (lunch) will be provided.
Attention all data-oriented students, faculty, and staff! Do you sometimes feel like you have developed a strong background in technical data skills but struggle a bit with the more human-centered communication side of things? If so, then Data Nexus has an exciting opportunity for you! Dr. Richard C. Zink is Principal Research Fellow at JMP Statistical Discovery and an adjunct professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. One of Dr. Zink鈥檚 personal passions is improvisational theater and over the past several years he has developed this passion into a scholarly pursuit, having taught many domestic and international workshops on applied improvisation to help turn quantitative scientists into quantitative leaders. Dr. Zink will deliver a free workshop on applied improvisation for Elon students, faculty, and staff.
There is no requirement to be funny, though funny often naturally happens! No experience is required, just an open mind, an eagerness to participate, and a willingness to take risks in a supportive environment.
Congratulations to the 2026 Datafest Data Challenges Winners!
Best in Show
Lleyton Head and Addie Jones
(Team : Data Delinquents)
Best Pitch
Maddy Baird, Skylar Cook, and Shelby Keel
(Team : CTRL-ALT-ELITE)
Best Technical Approach
William Corkey, Bereket Demissew, Ryan Kershner, and Pine Hastings-Wilkins
(Team : B-Team)
Best Data Visualization
Kian Fannin, Joe Mahiti, John McNulty, and Yamur Samli
(Team : Confidence Intervals)
Maddy Baird, Skylar Cook, and Shelby Keel
(Team : CTRL-ALT-ELITE)
Best Use of an External Source
Seth Cushinsky,Oliver Jaffe, Colin Chisholm, and Amelia Weaver
(Team: SPT All-Stars)
Video Archived Events and Workshops
Qualitative Research Series - Session 1
Qualitative Analysis for Quantitative People: Getting Started in Qualitative Research
This session aims to provide a foundational understanding of qualitative research for those more familiar with quantitative methods. We’ll explore the basics of qualitative research, including its philosophical foundations and methodological approaches. Participants will be introduced to various theories applicable to qualitative research, offering them a broader perspective for their studies. We’ll also cover the essential concept of coding qualitative data, equipping attendees with practical skills to better navigate this aspect of qualitative research. This workshop is designed to help participants venture into the world of qualitative research with confidence.
Note: This is one of four sessions being offered about qualitative research. Sessions 2, 3, and 4 will teach participants how to use Dedoose for qualitative research. Participants are welcome to attend any or all of these workshops. You are not required to come to all of them.
Led by Heather Barker, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
Co-sponsored by Data Nexus and the Center for Writing Excellence
Qualitative Research Series - Session 2
Software Tools for Qualitative Analysis: An Introduction to Dedoose
In this session, we will walk you through the essential steps of using Dedoose, a powerful qualitative analysis tool. We’ll begin with data preparation, ensuring your research materials are ready for analysis. Then, we’ll provide an overview of Dedoose, highlighting its key features and benefits. You’ll learn how to import your data into the platform, how to create parent and child codes, and how to code your data. We鈥檒l also delve into memoing, an invaluable practice for capturing insights and reflections. Additionally, we’ll explore Dedoose’s collaborative features, enabling you to work efficiently with your research team.
Note: This is one of four sessions being offered about qualitative research. Sessions 2, 3, and 4 will teach participants how to use Dedoose for qualitative research. Participants are welcome to attend any or all of these workshops. You are not required to come to all of them.
Led by Heather Barker, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
Co-sponsored by Data Nexus and the Center for Writing Excellence
Participants should bring their laptops with Dedoose installed. Elon faculty can download for a 30 day free trial. We鈥檒l discuss how you can request a permanent version of Dedoose from Elon at the workshop (add this to each description).
Qualitative Research Series - Session 3
Using Dedoose to Explore Patterns, Relationships, and Findings
In this session, we will dive into the advanced features of Dedoose, demonstrating how to use descriptors to uncover and examine relationships within your qualitative data. You’ll gain valuable insights into how to identify and analyze connections between themes, categories, and concepts. Furthermore, we’ll showcase the power of creating data visualizations within Dedoose, allowing you to visually map and explore patterns that may have otherwise remained hidden. This session will be helpful for researchers looking to elevate their qualitative analysis and gain a deeper understanding of their data.
Note: This is one of four sessions being offered about qualitative research. Sessions 2, 3, and 4 will teach participants how to use Dedoose for qualitative research. Participants are welcome to attend any or all of these workshops. You are not required to come to all of them.
Led by Heather Barker, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
Co-sponsored by Data Nexus and the Center for Writing Excellence
Participants should bring their laptops with Dedoose installed. Elon faculty can download for a 30 day free trial. We鈥檒l discuss how you can request a permanent version of Dedoose from Elon at the workshop (add this to each description).
Music as Data: Probability and Machine Learning in Country, R&B, and Beyond - Part 1
Understanding Musical Data, April 10, 2025 – Dr. Christopher White, Associate Professor of Music Theory, UMASS Amherst
Participants will explore musical corpora鈥攍arge collections of encoded music in a particular style鈥攂y analyzing patterns and structures in real-world compositions. Through guided exercises using simple Google Sheets, participants will learn how to: (1) Examine musical distributions (how often certain musical events appear) and (2) Identify transition probabilities (how likely one section of music will follow another).
The Indigenous Perspective Praxis
The Indigenous Perspective Praxis: Holistic Data Science Workflow Designs for Building Community Partnerships, Education and Citizen Engagement.
Featured Speaker : Dr. Joseph Robertson
When: September 23rd, 4:30-5:30pm
Description:The Indigenous Perspective Praxis is Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC鈥檚 most recent work in bringing theory to practice using data science workflows to solve community challenges. This interdisciplinary concept connects to Dr. Robertson鈥檚 doctoral work in using the Data Sovereignty Initiative framework to educate communities on the ethical examination of how to bridge science and culture.Dr. Robertson will present key topics on data sovereignty, tribal governance, data and artificial intelligence ethics and will demonstrate how to design and build ethical systems using data science.
Biography: Dr. Joseph Robertson is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation and is the founder and Chief Data Scientist of Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC (MOA).Dr. Robertson鈥檚 commitment to speak with students, faculty, community members, and grass roots organizations about his work is part of Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC鈥檚 broader educational and citizen science initiatives to bring the Indigenous Perspective praxis鈥檚 holistic data science workflow designs to underrepresented communities and to provide equitable access through building academic, cultural, and community partnerships.Dr. Robertson holds a PhD in Computational Science and Statistics and a Master of Science in Statistics from South Dakota State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Colorado State University.
Unlocking Your Data Potential : Creating a Data Portfolio
Unlocking Your Data Potential : Creating a Data Portfolio, October 31, 2024 with Stephen Morris 鈥11 (AWS), Lee Rainie (Imagining the Digital Future Center), and Ellie Najewicz (IBM).
What to include in your portfolio, finding support to create a portfolio, and how to highlight the digital world.