iBlog La Salle

De La Salle University, with support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), hosted the dean of Stanford University’s School of Engineering, Prof. Jennifer Widom, who has embarked on the Asian leg of her global advocacy to provide free training on big data, particularly for the youth and women in developing countries.

Big data is the systematic analysis of large volumes of data and statistics in order to uncover patterns and correlations that will, in turn, produce usable insights for business managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

The course was held at the University’s Henry Sy, Sr. Hall last January 23 to 26 to an audience of about 400 senior high school and college students, faculty, and professionals.

Prof. Widom is a computer science professor and Massive Open Online Course pioneer and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. She has co-authored four academic textbooks, providing students with a beginning and advanced introduction to database systems. Her books have been utilized at the junior, senior and graduate levels in Computer Science.

She capped her DLSU visit with a roundtable discussion on the topic “Women and Technology,” attended by leading women from industry, the academe, and government. Among those who joined her were Senator Risa Hontiveros, consultant for ASEAN University Network and DLSU Society of University Fellows member Dr. Wyona Patalinghug, Department of Science and Technology Assistance Secretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra, as well as administrators and faculty of DLSU, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Philippine Science High School, and executives from Accenture, Inc.

The discussion focused on inclusivity and equal representation of women in the fields of sciences and technology. It also touched upon the personal experiences of the participants, including how they balance career and family roles.