The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science presents the Fall 2026 Data Science Bootcamps, sponsored by Aegon Transamerica. Each week our distinguished presenters will present on topics including data analytics programming, business communication, and observational data analysis.

This week's Data Science Bootcamp presentation:

Dr. Kate Ralston, Director of Data Analytics, Enrollment Management, University of Iowa

"Before You Build: Scope, Align, and Communicate It"

The goal of this session is to build the communication and planning skills needed to successfully launch and manage data projects. Participants will learn to distinguish between business needs, project goals, and answerable data questions, gather and clarify stakeholder requirements, and develop realistic project scopes, timelines, and communication plans. Through discussion and practice, participants will consider how project complexity, uncertainty, timing, and stakeholder needs shape both technical choices and communication throughout a project. The session will also examine common setbacks, practical safeguards, and easy wins. Participants will leave with strategies for setting expectations, communicating proactively, and keeping data projects aligned with stakeholder needs.

A homework will be assigned between Dr. Ralston's two sessions.