Data Day 2025: Celebrating the Power of Data at UW Bothell
October 6, 2025 — University of Washington Bothell
A Celebration of Data Across Disciplines
The University of Washington Bothell’s Data Day 2025 brought together more than 150 students, faculty, and industry partners for an exciting day of discovery and discussion about the power of data to shape research, learning, and social change.
Hosted in partnership by the Office of Connected Learning, the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, and the Office of Student Academic Success, the event celebrated the many ways data shapes research, learning, and career opportunities across the UW Bothell community.
This year’s Data Day was a vibrant showcase of data across disciplines, highlighting how data is used to understand complex issues, solve real-world problems, and connect ideas from technology to health, business to education, and environmental science to social justice.
Keynote: Justice and the Genome
The program opened with a keynote address by Dr. Krystal Tsosie, titled “Justice & the Genome: Stories in Data for Indigenous Health & Biodiversity.” Dr. Tsosie is an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University.
Dr. Tsosie, an Indigenous geneticist and bioethicist, explored how data can be a tool for justice when approached through community collaboration and ethical stewardship. “Indigenous people have always been data scientists,” she shared, emphasizing that although Indigenous peoples make up less than 5% of the global population, they protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity.
She challenged attendees to consider who benefits from data, how it is shared, and the responsibilities that come with its use—underscoring that data stewardship is as important as data relationships.
Student Presentations: Data for Problem Solving
Student presenters, many of whom completed summer research or internships through the Office of Connected Learning, shared projects demonstrating the role of data in solving meaningful problems.
From qualitative interviews to data visualization, students showcased how data can be used to better understand human experiences and design more equitable solutions across a range of disciplines, including engineering, business, physics, mathematics, computer science, and social sciences. Student researcher Nicholas Perez reflected on the process of working with communities and building trust through data collection. “When you seek diverse perspectives, it results in a better design,” Perez noted.
Each presentation illustrated how UW Bothell students are using data not just as a technical skill, but as a tool for impact—applying classroom learning to real-world challenges.
Alumni & Industry Insights
The alumni and industry panel brought together professionals from diverse sectors including construction, public utilities, health analytics, and technology. Panelists discussed the growing importance of data literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability in today’s workforce.
They also shared how tools like AI are changing the way we work—enhancing productivity while requiring careful human oversight. Career advice focused on building technical and analytical skills, from SQL, Python, Power BI, and Tableau, to communicating insights effectively and staying curious in a rapidly evolving field.
Building Community Through Data
More than just a technical showcase, Data Day 2025 was a celebration of community, collaboration, and curiosity. It highlighted how data connects people and ideas across disciplines—and how UW Bothell students are using data not only to analyze the world, but to make a difference in it. Student clubs played a key role in welcoming attendees to Data Day, helping them discover opportunities to engage with campus organizations and apply data skills beyond the classroom. Representatives from groups across business, technology, cybersecurity, and research—including the Association for Computing Machinery, Girls Who Code, GrayHats Cybersecurity Club, and The CROW Research Journal—highlighted the many communities where students can explore the impact of data in their fields. Students were also given the opportunity to explore the various data-focused majors and minors offered at UW Bothell. Learn more about Data Day 2025 & view the full schedule of events.
