DATA DAYS 2025
DAY 1: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | VIRTUAL
November 3 | Morning Sessions | 8:00 - 11:00 A.M.
8:00 – 9:00 A.M. | Tricia Chastain Opening and Kickoff Message from Organizers
This session features welcome remarks and an overview of Data Days 2025, including this year’s theme, goals, and key initiatives that will guide discussions throughout the conference.
Presenter:
Tricia Chastain — Executive Vice President for Administration & Finance, Georgia Tech
9:00 – 10:00 A.M. | Undergrad Admissions 101
In this session, presenters will explore the data, systems, and processes that support undergraduate admissions at Georgia Tech. Participants will learn how data insights inform recruitment, outreach, and decision-making efforts that shape the Institute’s incoming classes.
Presenter:
Mary Tipton Woolley – Executive Director of Admissions, Georgia Tech
10:00 – 11:00 A.M. | IRP 101
This session provides an inside look at the Office of Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) and the data services that support decision-making, accreditation, and institutional initiatives. Participants will discover how Georgia Tech’s data flows through the institution to serve both internal stakeholders and external organizations.
Presenters:
Samantha James — Director of Institutional Research & Data Portfolio Management, IRP, Georgia Tech
Camry Chapman — Office of Institutional Research & Planning, Georgia Tech
Dr. Jason L. Wang — Senior Director, IRP, Georgia Tech
November 3 | Afternoon Sessions | 12:00 - 5:00 P.M.
12:00 – 1:00 P.M. | Research Data 101
In this session, participants will learn about Georgia Tech’s research data domain, including proposal, award, and expenditure data. Presenters will also discuss sponsored research accounting metrics and demonstrate how reporting tools and robotic process automation support the Institute’s most critical tasks.
Presenters:
Josh Rosenberg — Executive Director of Grants & Contracts, Georgia Tech
Jonathon Jeffries — Director of Cost Accounting & Compliance, Georgia Tech
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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1:00 – 2:00 PM
1:00 – 2:00 P.M. | Human Resources Data 101
This session introduces the fundamentals of HR data and its importance in supporting organizational insight and decision-making. Presenters will also highlight the next generation of Human Capital Management (HCM) tools and preview the upcoming Unified ERP project.
Presenters:
Taylor Ferguson — Data Manager (HR), Georgia Tech
Angelle Hammond — ERP Project & Process Manager, HRIS (Unified ERP), Georgia Tech
1:00 – 2:00 P.M. | Einstein Platform for Service: Moving from POC to Pilot
In this session, attendees will learn about Georgia Tech’s journey with the Einstein Platform for Service, including how the initiative evolved from a proof of concept to a live pilot. Presenters will share lessons learned, integration strategies, and insights into how the platform is enhancing service excellence.
Presenters:
Devki Kumayan — Senior Business Analyst, OIT CRM Services, Georgia Tech
Katie Beccue — Senior Business Analyst, OIT CRM Services, Georgia Tech
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2:00 – 3:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 P.M. | The SMS Easy Button — From Click to Convert
This session explores how Georgia Tech’s OIT CRM Services team unified Salesforce CRM, Marketing Cloud Engagement, and Mobile Connect into a seamless SMS communication experience for the Scheller College of Business. Participants will see how thoughtful customization simplified complexity, increased adoption, and improved conversion rates.
Presenters:
Maheswara Reddy Parla — Senior Salesforce Developer, OIT CRM Services, Georgia Tech
Katie Beccue — Senior Business Analyst, OIT CRM Services, Georgia Tech
2:00 – 3:00 P.M. | The Notorious EBG: Reimagining Workday Reporting and Budgeting — Demo, Workshop, and What’s Coming Soon
In this session, presenters will demonstrate how budget and spend data are harnessed within Workday Worksheets to deliver a self-service reporting platform for financial planning and analysis. Participants will take part in a hands-on segment covering setup and usage while also getting a preview of upcoming releases.
Presenter:
Chris Cho — Innovation Strategist for ERP (Workday) & Related Systems, Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
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3:00 – 4:00 P.M. | Advising Data 101: Innovating Student Success with Navigate360
This session provides an overview of Navigate360, Georgia Tech’s primary student success system. Presenters will demonstrate how advisors and student-support units use analytics—such as Population, Course, Major Change, Population Health, and Predictive Analytics—to connect students with the right services at the right time.
Presenters:
Dr. Lorett Swank — Executive Director of Academic Success & Advising, Georgia Tech
Ellen Riley — Director of Advising Operations & Engagement, Georgia Tech
4:00 – 5:00 P.M. | Streamlining the User Provisioning Processes for GT Students by Program Enrollments
In this session, presenters will explain how the OIT CRM Services Team used program enrollment data and Salesforce CRM logic to automate permission sets, profiles, and portal access based on a student’s status. Attendees will learn how these improvements increased accuracy, reduced manual effort, and enhanced the student experience.
Presenters:
Tran Vu Tran — Salesforce Lead Developer, OIT CRM Services, Georgia Tech
Katie Beccue — Senior Business Analyst, OIT CRM Services, Georgia Tech
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | IN-PERSON
BILL MOORE STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
November 5 | Morning Sessions | 8:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Concurrent Sessions | 8:00 – 9:00 Block
Financial Aid Data 101
This session explains why financial aid data must be safeguarded and clarifies the differences between FAFSA, FTI, and shareable data. Participants will gain insight into regulatory requirements, compliance practices, and situations where data requests can be appropriately approved.
Location: Press Room A
Presenter:
Steven Castle — Director of Technology, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Georgia Tech
Student Data 101
This session introduces the student data landscape at Georgia Tech, including key concepts related to FERPA, student records, registration, retention, and graduation. Participants will learn how to interpret and utilize student data effectively to enhance student services and inform decision-making.
Location: Press Room B
Presenters:
Jeremy Gray — Senior Associate Registrar, Georgia Tech
Crystal Elster — Associate Registrar, Georgia Tech
Alumni Data 101
This session explores how alumni data supports lifelong engagement, philanthropy, and institutional advancement. Presenters will discuss the systems used to manage alumni records and demonstrate how analytics drive outreach and strengthen relationships across the Tech community.
Location: President’s A
Presenter:
TBD
Microsoft Tools and Capabilities
Participants will explore the latest Microsoft productivity tools and collaboration features available to Georgia Tech employees. Presenters will demonstrate key capabilities that enhance day-to-day operations and team efficiency.
Location: President’s C
Presenters:
Alana DeAngelis — Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Kim Powell — Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Budget Data 101
This session provides an overview of how Georgia Tech uses data to power its budget. Participants will explore data sources behind revenue estimates, allocations through the Hybrid Allocation Model (HAM), and tracking of funds in OneBudget, OneUSG, and Workday.
Location: President’s D
Presenters:
Jamie Fernandes — Interim Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning & Executive Director, Institute Budget Planning and Administration, Georgia Tech
Emily Howell — Senior Director, Budget Planning & Strategy, Georgia Tech
Concurrent Sessions | 9:00 – 10:00 AM Block
LITE 101
This session introduces participants to Georgia Tech’s Learning Information and Technology Environment (LITE) platform. Presenters will explain its capabilities, benefits, and the ways it enhances learning data and institutional insights.
Location: Press Room A
Presenter:
TBD
Power BI 101
In this session, participants will receive an introduction to Power BI’s key features for data analysis and visualization. Attendees will learn how to build and share impactful dashboards and gain confidence using this robust business-intelligence tool.
Location: Press Room B
Presenter:
Daniel Lyczak — Data Scientist, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Georgia Tech
Scout: Bringing Innovation to Your Inbox
This session introduces the “Scout” system, which gathers research innovation data—papers, grants, and patents—from multiple online sources and delivers personalized email updates. Participants will learn how AI summarization and chatbot exploration are enhancing research discovery.
Location: President’s A
Presenter:
Jeff Garbers — Software Developer, VentureLab, Georgia Tech
Microsoft Basics: Day-to-Day Work
This hands-on session focuses on Microsoft tools for productivity and collaboration. Presenters will demonstrate time-saving techniques, integrations, and real-world applications for everyday work at Georgia Tech.
Location: President’s C
Presenters:
Alana DeAngelis — Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Kim Powell — Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Graduate Admissions Data 101
This session provides an overview of graduate admissions data management at Georgia Tech. Participants will explore key data flows, reporting tools, and analytics that support graduate enrollment strategy and decision-making.
Location: President’s D
Presenter:
TBD
Concurrent Sessions | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
ServiceNow Configuration Management
In this session, participants will learn how Georgia Tech uses ServiceNow to manage configuration and asset data. Presenters will demonstrate how the system supports visibility, reporting, and operational efficiency across campus IT environments.
Location: Press Room A
Presenters:
Richard Corey — Technology Strategist, Digital Business Unit, Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Nicole Hodges — IT Asset Coordinator, Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Excel 101
This session covers essential Excel functions and visualization techniques for effective data analysis. Participants will gain hands-on experience with formulas, charts, and features to improve their data storytelling and productivity.
Location: Press Room B
Presenters:
Dr. Jason L. Wang — Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, Georgia Tech
Daniel Lyczak — Data Scientist, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s AI Makerspace for Student Coursework and Innovation
This session highlights Georgia Tech’s AI Makerspace, a cutting-edge facility that provides students access to advanced AI computing and tools. Presenters will discuss its impact on AI education, curriculum innovation, and student engagement.
Location: President’s A
Presenters:
Michael Weiner — Senior Research Scientist & Lead Research Computing Facilitator, OIT PACE, Georgia Tech
Aaron Jezghani — Senior Research Scientist, OIT PACE, Georgia Tech
Dr. Matthieu Bloch — Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech
Reimagining Facilities: Breaking Silos and Elevating Service with Microsoft Copilot
This session demonstrates how Microsoft Copilot is transforming collaboration within Infrastructure and Sustainability. Presenters will share how AI tools are helping teams streamline processes, improve responsiveness, and redefine service delivery.
Location: President’s C
Presenters:
Tammie K. Brown — Business Analyst II, Infrastructure and Sustainability, Georgia Tech
Alana DeAngelis — Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
Jimmie Hardin — Senior Director of Data Management and Automation, Georgia Tech
Data Governance, Cybersecurity, and Privacy 101
In this session, attendees will learn about Georgia Tech’s Data Governance and Discovery program and its connection to cybersecurity and privacy. Presenters will share frameworks and policies that guide secure, compliant, and effective data use across campus.
Location: President’s D
Presenter:
David Mack — Data Governance Manager, Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
November 5 | Afternoon Sessions | 12:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Concurrent Sessions and Workshops | 12:00 – 2:00 PM
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. | Data Services 101
This session explores the data services that support Georgia Tech’s operations, focusing on integration, delivery, and analytics enablement across campus systems.
Location: Press Room A
Presenter:
TBD
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. | Space and Facilities 101
In this session, participants will gain insight into the data that supports facilities operations and planning. Presenters will explain how data collection, analysis, and visualization are used to improve efficiency, maintenance, and sustainability.
Location: Press Room B
Presenter:
Jimmie Hardin — Senior Director of Data Management and Automation, Georgia Tech
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. | Innovation and AI Workshop
This 90-minute workshop introduces practical ways to integrate AI into day-to-day work. Participants will engage in guided exercises to explore how AI tools can enhance efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving.
Location: President’s A
Presenter:
Brent O’Guin — Technology Strategist, Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. | Tableau 101 Training
This 90-minute interactive workshop provides an introduction to Tableau, Georgia Tech’s data-visualization platform. Participants will learn to build dashboards, publish reports, and apply best practices in visual storytelling.
Location: President’s C
Presenter:
TBD
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. | Finance Data 101
This session introduces participants to Georgia Tech’s financial data, covering accounting, expenditure tracking, and reporting. Presenters will highlight data sources and demonstrate how finance data supports institutional transparency and decision-making.
Location: President’s D
Presenter:
Amy Herron — Institute Controller, Georgia Tech
1:00 – 2:00 P.M. | Utilizing Operational Data in Storytelling
This session explores how the BuzzCard Department has leveraged Tableau dashboards and operational data to drive smarter, faster decision-making. Participants will learn about dashboard design, AI integration, and the role of storytelling in operational excellence.
Location: President’s A
Presenters:
Catherine Daniels — Financial Analyst, BuzzCard Department, Georgia Tech
Manisha Mishra — Manager of Enterprise Systems, BuzzCard Department, Georgia Tech
Closing Sessions
2:00 – 3:00 P.M. | Keynote Address with Leo Howell
Join Vice President for Information Technology and CIO Leo Howell for a special keynote address highlighting Georgia Tech’s vision for data, AI, and innovation. This session will offer insights into how OIT is empowering the Institute through technology transformation and collaborative leadership.
Location: Entrance
Presenter: Leo Howell – VP for IT & CIO
3:00 – 4:00 P.M. | Unified ERP Update
This session provides an update on Georgia Tech’s Unified ERP project. The presenter will share key milestones, upcoming initiatives, and how the unified platform will enhance data-driven decision-making across the Institute.
Location: Press Room A
Presenter: Jennifer Bentson — Deputy Chief Business Officer, Georgia Tech
In-Person Venue Details
Day 2 of the Data Days conference will be held at the Bill Moore Student Success Center located at 225 North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Directions and Parking
For directions to the Bill Moore Student Success Center, please visit ssc.gatech.edu/directions.
If driving, Data Days conference attendees should park in the Georgia Tech Visitor Area 1 parking lot at 176 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA. For ease and safety, please use the pedestrian sky bridge to cross over North Avenue from the top level of the visitor’s lot.
