Data Science Foundations & Applied Capstone: A Hands-On Beginner Workshop

Data Science Foundations & Applied Capstone is a full-day, hands-on workshop designed to introduce participants to the foundations of modern data science through practical exercises and collaborative problem solving. Participants will work with real-world datasets and gain experience across several stages of the data science workflow, including data preparation and exploratory statistics, interactive data visualization, and an introduction to applied artificial intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs). The afternoon will transition from guided instruction to an applied capstone activity. Participants will work in small teams to analyze a provided dataset, identify meaningful trends, anomalies, or insights, and develop a data-backed recommendation. Teams will have flexibility in choosing their approach, including statistical analysis, interactive visualization, or AI-assisted analysis. Instructors will be available throughout the session to provide technical guidance and help teams refine their approach. The workshop will conclude with short project showcases, allowing teams to present their analytical approach, key findings, and recommendations to fellow participants. This workshop is intended for participants who are interested in developing practical data science skills. Prior advanced experience in data science or artificial intelligence is not required. What to Bring: Please bring a laptop and charger and arrive a few minutes early for setup. Organized by IEEE NJ Coast Young Professionals. Sponsored by IEEE Young Professionals and the IEEE Foundation.