Each semester, the Massive Data Institute (MDI) at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University sponsors technical data processing and analysis workshops to provide Georgetown University faculty, students, and staff the opportunity to be exposed to new methods, programming paradigms, and technologies. Led by MDI’s postdoctoral fellows and faculty, each workshop is a deep-dive into a dynamic topic.
Learn more and register for one of the four Spring 2026 MDI Workshops below (please note there is a separate registration for each workshop; you can join one or all of them). To learn more about the MDI Fellows who will be leading this semester’s workshops, please visit: https://mdi.georgetown.edu/mdi-fellows/
For more information on MDI events, check out our events calendar . Any questions, please reach out to mdiresearch@georgetown.edu.
February 11, 2026: Data Governance Transformation: Data and Privacy Policy in the Era of Shifting Precedents with Jacob Pasner, Ph.D.
When: Wednesday, February 11, 3:00-6:00pm
Location: Capitol Campus at 125 E Street, Conference Room 620
Register: https://bit.ly/MDIWorkshopFeb112026
Abstract: One year into a top-down executive reshaping of America’s data infrastructure, long-standing data privacy norms and precedents are being challenged. This workshop introduces the Data Governance Transformation (DGT) policy framework developed at the Massive Data Institute as an organizing principle to ensure truth and trust in public-sector digital services.
We will demonstrate how strong data governance underpins trustworthy AI, improves efficiency in government digital services, and provides transparency to decision-makers and the public about how national data is used. Participants will examine real-world challenges agencies face when implementing data sharing and AI, focusing on how Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) archetypes can help resolve policy gray areas. Examples will be drawn from ongoing collaborations with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
February 19, 2026: Research Methods for Human-Centered AI and Beyond with Eric Zeng, Ph.D.
When: Thursday, February 19, 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Hilltop Campus
Register: https://bit.ly/MDIWorkshopFeb192026
Abstract: How effective are AI impersonations at spreading scams? How have LLMs affected people’s ability to find accurate information? What effect do social media algorithms have on people’s mental health? As new and disruptive technologies emerge, understanding the interaction between technology and people is critical so that we can shape technology to be safe and beneficial for society.
So how do we answer these questions, particularly when no company or statistical agency has published relevant data? As researchers, we can gather this data ourselves by conducting scientific studies and experiments with human participants.
In this workshop, we will go on a whirlwind tour of all of the steps for running online research studies with human participants. By the end of this workshop, you will be familiar with:
- Data visualization and statistical analysis
- Qualitative data analysis
- Designing online surveys and experiments
- Ethics Reviews and participant recruitment
March 17, 2026: Network Analysis Methods Across Disciplines with Melissa Collier, Ph.D.
When: Tuesday, March 17, 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Capitol Campus
Register: (info forthcoming)
Abstract: This workshop offers an introduction to network analysis methods and their applications across disciplines including, but not limited to, public health, social science, and ecology. We will learn how to conceptualize data as networks, interpret common network metrics, create meaningful visualizations, and explore real-world case studies using Python. By the end of the session, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of network analysis techniques, as well as practical skills to apply in their own fields.
Participant Skillset: No prior experience is required, though familiarity with Python is helpful.
April 7, 2026: Understanding Textual and Visual Reasoning Through the Lens of Generative Models with Rupayan Mallick, Ph.D.
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Hilltop Campus
Register: (info forthcoming)
Abstract: In this workshop, we will study the underlying “reasoning” capabilities of the vision and language models. For example, we will go through how models like ChatGPT interpret images to interpret medical scans to help doctors. This workshop is designed to help better understand the relationship between the descriptive nature of language (text) and the preceptive understanding of vision (images). Participants will learn to connect images and text, and how modern approaches now enable machines to perform step-by-step reasoning, compare visual details, and make decisions based on complex scenes. Participants will understand the possibilities and the current limitations of these systems, including issues like bias, errors, and “hallucinations”.
By the end of the workshop the participants should:
- Understand how current AI models combine vision data and language;
- Be able to question the reliability, trust and fairness of these models; and
- Have a basic idea on chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning, handling multimodal models, etc.
Participant Skillset: A very basic understanding of Python is expected.
Any questions? Please reach out to mdiresearch@georgetown.edu
About the Massive Data Institute (MDI): At Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy, the Massive Data Institute is an interdisciplinary research institute that connects experts across computer science, data science, public health, public policy, and social science to tackle societal scale issues and impact public policy in a way that improves people’s lives through responsible evidence-based research. For more information on MDI, please visit https://mdi.georgetown.edu/ To learn about additional upcoming MDI workshops and events, please visit: https://mdi.georgetown.edu/events/