Women in Big Data, Pacific Northwest Chapter recently hosted an insightful workshop led by Dr. For Cheng, adjunct professor at George Fox University, focused on essential skills and tools for modern data analysis. With his impressive 36-year career at Intel spanning roles from software engineering to business analysis, Dr. Cheng brought a wealth of practical experience to the session. The workshop provided participants with a practical understanding of fundamental data analysis concepts, tools, and methodologies needed in today’s data-driven world.

Dr. Cheng expertly framed data analytics as the intersection of three critical components: asking good business questions, applying appropriate statistical methodologies, and utilizing the right tools like Python and SQL. Using a realistic business case about satellite deployment for an internet company, he demonstrated how data analysts approach real-world problems. Participants learned how to examine Internet usage rates across countries, determine relationships between variables using correlation analysis, and build predictive models using urban population rates as predictors—all essential skills for data professionals.

Throughout the workshop, Dr. Cheng balanced theoretical concepts with hands-on applications. He walked through the entire data analysis workflow: from data collection and cleaning to analysis and visualization using Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. The session included comprehensive explanations of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis using Pearson’s method, and regression analysis for prediction. Dr. Cheng supplemented his instruction with informative videos that clarified key statistical concepts, making complex topics accessible to participants with varying levels of experience.

Beyond the technical content, Dr. Cheng shared valuable insights about transitioning into data analytics careers. When asked about opportunities for career changers, he emphasized the importance of networking, volunteering, and internships to gain experience. He noted that many organizations, including government agencies and nonprofits, offer opportunities for aspiring data professionals to build their portfolios. His advice reflected his commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of data talent.

This workshop exemplified Women in Big Data’s mission to empower diverse professionals through accessible training opportunities in data and AI-related fields. Dr. Cheng’s teaching approach—combining practical business applications with technical skills—provided participants with a solid foundation in data analytics principles. The session concluded with attendees receiving sample datasets and Python code to continue their learning journey independently. For those looking to enhance their data analytics capabilities, this workshop offered both the technical knowledge and the practical wisdom needed to succeed in the field.

Recording and materials from this session are available here.