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How to Create Effective Presentation Slides-And Why They Are Important

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Columnist

Pyramid visual showing the parts of a presentation: Title and BLUF, Agenda, Topic Discussion, Conclusion and Action, Q & A, Appendix

Before starting the MSA program at the IAA, I believed that effective slides meant cramming in every detail, answering every possible question, and saving a dramatic “big reveal” for the end. During summer communication classes, we learned this approach often falls short with business leaders and stakeholders, who expect the Continue reading How to Create Effective Presentation Slides-And Why They Are Important→

From AI Researcher to IAA Director: An Interview with Dr. Bill Rand

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Columnist

Dr. Bill Rand joined the Institute for Advanced Analytics as Director with a background that spans computer science, philosophy of science, artificial intelligence, and applied analytics. I sat down with Dr. Rand to learn more about his journey, what drew him to the field, and his vision for preparing future Continue reading From AI Researcher to IAA Director: An Interview with Dr. Bill Rand→

Optimizing Your Walking Routes in Downtown Raleigh

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Columnist

Walking through a city can be more than just transportation- it can be an optimization problem. Data scientists will often ask: What is the most efficient way to maximize experience while minimizing effort? Downtown Raleigh provides the perfect landscape for this question, especially when considering the integration of neighborhoods like Continue reading Optimizing Your Walking Routes in Downtown Raleigh→

Five strategies that helped me transition from undergrad to grad school

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Columnist

There are fewer than 6 weeks between undergraduate graduation and FDOC at the Institute for Advanced Analytics. I knew that starting an intensive 10-month program after a light spring semester at UNC would feel like diving into the deep end. To keep afloat, I’ve adopted five strategies that helped me Continue reading Five strategies that helped me transition from undergrad to grad school→