Distinguished Lecture Series


Session 1
Sunday Feb 24, 3 pm, Stark 103
Visualization for Effective
Communication

Scientists usually believe that good and clear design consists just of “beautifying” their charts, graphs, and maps. This should be an afterthought, as what truly matters is to “show the data”. This session explains why reasoning about design decisions is as important as reasoning about the data we present to audiences.

Session 2
Sunday Feb 24, 7 pm, Stark 103
How Charts Lie: Getting Smarter
About Visual Information

Graphic designers, data analysts, and journalists are taught that “a picture is worth a thousand words”, that we should “show don’t tell”, and that charts are “intuitive” and useful to “simplify” information. This talk explains why these myths, if taken at face value, are wrong and dangerous, and what we can do to become better readers and designers of graphics.

Session 3
Monday Feb 25, 12pm, Gild 155
Engagement and Future Trends
in Data Communication

Visualization is a language in constant evolution. This session will focus on how designers of visualization can make their graphics more attractive and engaging, and on several potential futures of data communication.


Department Colloquium

12:00 - 12:50 PM, Wednesday, February 6, SLC 120

Applying Data Analysis

in the Business World  

Rick Fredrickson

Supply Chain Lead, Fastenal Company

Come hear from WSU mathematics alumnus Rick Fredrickson how his Supply Chain team is applying data analysis in the business world to drive customer service levels, manage $1.28 billion dollars in inventory investments, and optimize operational efficiencies. What are the key numbers behind the scenes that allow these business goals to merge together? Learn about opportunities to put your mathematics, statistics, or data science degree to work with a publicly-held, international company.