New York Times graphics editor to discuss visualizing data

From disseminating the editorial decisions of a movie trailer, to how someone's birth year might influence their political views, sometimes visualizing abstract concepts can make them easier to understand.

Amanda Cox, graphic editor for The New York Times, will visit Grand Valley Monday, March 21, to discuss how the interactive graphics she creates for print and the Web make statistical information and social issues more comprehendible for a wider audience. Her presentation will take place from 3-4 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center's Grand River Room (2250) followed by a reception.

"The interactive graphics she creates for The New York Times explore important social issues that shape our world and narrates information with visual graphics that captivate our curiosity and engage critical thinking," said Maria Cimitile, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and associate professor of philosophy.

Cimitile said Cox's presentation aligns with the university's Big Data Initiative, which aims to ensure that every student graduating from Grand Valley is "digital literate."

"For every student, being digital literate means being able to critically evaluate digital information and navigate the digital world that has emerged because of advances in technology over the last decade," Cimitile said. "For some students, that means possessing the skills to create data visualization objects, as Ms. Cox does. For others, it entails acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate with data analysts in their chosen fields."

This event is sponsored by the Big Data Initiative, as well as the Office of the Provost, Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence.

Cox's presentation is LIB 100 approved for students. To register, visit gvsu.edu/sprout and search for "Data Visualization."