Storytelling With Data: Great Graphs, Bad Logos, & the Ethics of Data Visualization

Name: Storytelling With Data: Great Graphs, Bad Logos, & the Ethics of Data Visualization
Start: 2025-03-26T19:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-03-26T21:00:00-07:00
Location: The Alberta Rose Theatre

Schedule

Wed Mar 26 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

The Alberta Rose Theatre | Portland, OR

So much data. So much misrepresentation. In our era, understanding the nuances of effective visual storytelling is more crucial than ever.
What is the neuroscience of vision?
The psychology of perception?
How do our brains process visual information?
Well-designed graphs can illuminate complex data, making it accessible and engaging for all audiences, while poor design choices, including misleading logos, can distort the truth behind the numbers.
Sip on local brews and learn about the aesthetic elements of data visualization AND the ethical responsibilities that come with presenting information. How can we ensure our visuals tell an honest story? What are the implications of data manipulation in public discourse? How to think critically about the visuals you encounter and create, highlighting the ethical dimensions in the context of neuroscience and psychology.
Jackie Wirz, PhD, (our own MC!) is a biochemist by training, a nonprofit executive by profession, and a teller of stories. After 15 years of bad graphics as a research scientist, she decided to educate herself on what actually goes into a great visualization. She leveraged these skills as a data management specialist, academic administrator, and as a nonprofit executive. In her spare time she is the MC (mistress of ceremonies) for a variety of events including Science on Tap!
Dr. Steven Bedrick is an Associate Professor at OHSU where his research focuses on the intersection of natural language processing and healthcare. He is also interested in the societal and ethical implications that arise from speech and language technology.