A Different Take on Data

Name: Angela Zoss Position: data visualization coordinator, Duke University Libraries Years at Duke: 3What I do at Duke: I was hired three years ago to help the campus produce data visualizations and to connect people who are interested in data visualization. We define data visualization very broadly, anything from normal bar charts and line charts that you can make in Excel to complicated online systems or customized diagrams that explain the process of your research. My first ever job was: A research assistant for a local mystery writer. She was searching for some help to look through microfilm and find details about certain time periods so she could have more interesting context in her stories. Her name is Jeanne M. Dams, and she has two series of mystery novels, both with female protagonists. My dream job: A backup singer, maybe for a swing band. I don’t really need the limelight, but I love harmonies and swing music.  The best advice I ever received: Was from a high school French teacher. She was so passionate, and she would remind us over and over again that you must learn to love to learn. If I had $5 million, I would: I’m a member of the Duke Medicine Orchestra, and having a small endowment to allow them to have their operating budget every year without having to do a lot of fundraising would be nice. This is my second year in the orchestra, and this is the first time I’ve played French horn in an ensemble. What I love about Duke: Every time I have a crazy idea like bringing a visualization exhibit to campus or hosting a student visualization contest, people always say, ‘How can we help you? How can we make that happen?’ If I could have one superpower, it would be: I’ve always wanted to be able to teleport. We would save so much carbon emissions. Something most people don’t know about me: When I was in college, I decided to take a class or two on Irish dancing. An interesting/memorable day at work for me: I hosted a large exhibit of data visualizations on campus this semester. We had 100 different printed visualizations, displayed in The Edge, Gross Hall and in Smith Warehouse. I had a half-day conference that I hosted where we had presenters all across campus talking about the importance of interdisciplinary work.A movie I like: A lot of older Hollywood musicals, and when I was young, I used to watch a lot of Fred Astaire. A book I like: I got interested in Stephen King when I was young. He tends to interweave his books so you’ll recognize characters come up from older books, and he creates this special universe. A pet peeve: I don’t like websites where all the links read ‘Click Here.’