Here we explore the intersections of data, art, and storytelling. Our guest, Nathalie Miebach, is an internationally-recognized data artist and the School of Data Science’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence.

Using materials like reed and paper, she transforms complex datasets into woven sculptures and musical scores, inviting us to view and even hear data in new ways. Joining her is Alex Gates, assistant professor of data science at the University of Virginia research examines how patterns of connection shape creativity, innovation, and discovery.

Together, they discuss what happens when data meets art.

Chapters (00:00:01) - Data Points: When Art Meets Science(00:00:46) - Ian and Nicole: Introduction(00:06:18) - How Stories Get Made(00:09:59) - Basket Weaving Visualizing Data(00:20:33) - Wonders of the World(00:25:47) - Data and Artist Residency(00:27:50) - Breaking Habits in Creativity(00:30:06) - What is Data Science: Craftsmanship?(00:34:50) - How Art Affects Our Understanding of Data

One of the most pressing challenges in our increasingly data-driven world is the Data Deluge—the overwhelming flood of information that we generate and record every single day. With us are three experts from the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science. Phil Bourne, a professor of biomedical engineering and the founding dean of the school of data science, is joined by Terence Johnson and Alex Gates, both assistant professors of data science. Together, they have been exploring innovative methods to make sense of the vast oceans of data we’re all swimming in.

This episode unpacks the challenges of the data deluge—what it means for businesses, researchers, and society at large—and explore the strategies we can use to navigate it. How do we make sense of so much information? How do we ensure the ethical use of this data? And what opportunities does this overwhelming flood of data open up for the future?