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Eric Van Dusen
Interim Director at Data Science Education Program, UC Berkeley
Professional Background
Eric Van Dusen is a dedicated educator and innovator currently working on curriculum development for Data Science Education at the University of California, Berkeley. His passion for integrating data science into educational methodologies has paved the way for numerous impactful programs that enhance learning across various disciplines. Eric’s work emphasizes collaboration with instructors across campus to create open-source interactive curriculum, contributing significantly to the academic environment at UC Berkeley. Two major initiatives he has spearheaded include Data Science Connectors, which are two-unit domain seminars designed to complement the foundational Data-8 class, and Data Science Modules, which aim to weave data science concepts into existing courses and programs.
In addition to driving curriculum development, Eric plays a vital role in facilitating summer workshops, where he educates faculty and instructors from across the United States. These workshops focus on incorporating data science pedagogy into their teaching practices, thereby enhancing the educational experience of students nationwide.
Eric’s journey in the world of data science education began in Fall 2017, when he developed a course exploring international development through the lens of the Data 8 Intro to Data Science curriculum at Berkeley. This experience ignited his enthusiasm for data science and pedagogy, leading to his commitment to spreading knowledge in this dynamic field. In Spring 2019, he taught an undergraduate Data Science Connector course focused on Reproducibility and Open Science and further collaborated with student teams to develop a course on Economic Modeling, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence and student engagement.
Eric has extensive experience in applied economic analysis, particularly in the realms of international and environmental issues. He possesses a strong passion for leveraging socially focused research to benefit society, consistently seeking to engage in politically and socially relevant projects in a micro-applied research setting. His vision centers around creating opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences related to reproducibility, interactive computing, and research exposure, setting a high standard for modern education in data science.
Education and Achievements
Eric Van Dusen's educational background is anchored in the robust academic environment of the University of California system. He pursued his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Davis, where he developed a strong foundation in economic theory and analytical skills applicable to real-world challenges. His academic journey provided him with the tools needed to approach complex issues surrounding economic development and resource allocation.
Equipped with advanced knowledge and insights from his doctoral studies, Eric has contributed to several organizations within the UC system, showcasing his leadership and commitment to education. He has served as the Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies at the UC Berkeley Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society, directly impacting the direction of undergraduate education. Before this role, he held significant positions as a Curriculum Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of California, where he engaged students and faculty alike through innovative teaching methods focused on environmental economics and data science.
Eric's contributions extend beyond classroom teaching; he has held prominent positions in project management and applied research, including roles such as the Innovation Director at the Blum Center for Developing Economies and an Economics Researcher at the Center for the Evaluation of Global Action. His involvement with these organizations highlights his commitment to utilizing economic analysis for addressing pressing global challenges.
Through his varied experiences, Eric has cultivated an impressive portfolio of skills and insights that inform his current role in curriculum development. His expertise in applied economics and educational framework design positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of data science education.
Notable Contributions
- Data Science Connectors: Designed and implemented two-unit domain seminars to accompany the foundational Data-8 course, providing students with enriched learning opportunities.
- Data Science Modules: Developed modules that integrate data science methodologies into various existing courses, expanding the reach and impact of data science education.
- Workshop facilitation: Conducted summer workshops on data science pedagogy for faculty nationwide, fostering a community of educators committed to integrating data science into their teaching practices.
- Innovative course development: Developed and taught courses such as International Development through Data Science and Economic Modeling, exposing students to practical applications of data science in economics.
- Leadership roles: Served as Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies, influencing course offerings and curriculum design in the Department of Computing, Data Science, and Society.
- Applied research: Contributed to significant projects focused on international and environmental economics, impacting policy discussions and research initiatives in various settings.
Overall, Eric Van Dusen's dedication to enhancing data science education through innovative curriculum development, collaborative efforts, and hands-on learning experiences reflects his commitment to empowering the next generation of data scientists. His diverse background, coupled with his expertise in applied economics, positions him as a leader in the field, committed to advancing educational practices that benefit society at large.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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