For years, Brad Thompson, associate professor of mathematics in the Associates of Arts Program (AAP), located at the Dover campus, wanted to host the American Statistical Association’s (ASA) DataFest at the University of Delaware, but he knew that support from UD’s Newark campus would be necessary to host the multi-day event.

Last year, shortly after learning about the One Idea, One Slide Summit, Thompson began working on his pitch to host UD’s first DataFest. His two-minute pitch garnered support from campus partners that snowballed into a planning committee—UD’s Data Science Institute; the Library, Museums and Press; the AAP; and the mathematics and statistics departments.

“There are so many departments at UD that work with data, but it is not often that we have the opportunity to collaborate on a common goal while working beyond the scope of the curriculum,” Thompson said. “The One Idea, One Slide Summit helped me reach and partner with colleagues who are equally passionate about setting up a DataFest event to benefit students, faculty and industry partners.”

The UD DataFest will be May 2-4. Undergraduate students from all majors who are looking for real world experience working with authentic data and network with industry professionals  are encouraged to register by April 14. 

The UD DataFest is one example of how the One Idea, One Slide Summit—a forum for innovative ideas from UD faculty and staff that advance academic excellence in research, education and impact—supports an idea. Now in its third year, and having supported more than 140 ideas in a variety of ways, the Summit's idea submission process is open until May 5.

All are welcome to attend the next Summit on May 16 in Pearson Auditorium. More information and guidance is on the Summit's website.