The Ateneo Mathematics Society (AMS) successfully held its two-part Data Analytics Seminar-Workshop on August 22 and September 2, 2025, at SEC A 303, welcoming students from various disciplines eager to deepen their understanding of real-world data applications. The event featured Ms. Kimberlee Say, a BS AMDSc alumna and a current Data Scientist at Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, whose experience in the healthcare analytics field served as an invaluable resource for participants.

The seminar opened with a guided walkthrough of the PPDAC cycle (Problem, Plan, Data, Analysis, and Conclusion), a foundational framework used by data practitioners to structure their approach to analytics. Ms. Say emphasized the importance of framing clear questions and identifying relevant variables before diving into the technical work of analysis.

Participants were then introduced to essential tools in the data analytics pipeline, including data preprocessing, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and interpreting and communicating findings. Ms. Say stressed the significance of data storytelling, noting that insights are only as useful as how well they are communicated to decision-makers. 

To ground the seminar in practical relevance, Ms. Say introduced a real-world case study from Maxicare’s ongoing work: the Beta Cardiometabolic Disease Program. Participants were asked to conceptualize a cost-efficient and personalized healthcare program using anonymized data on lab availments and member behavior. The case prompted discussions on how health data can be used to target specific patient populations, improve outcomes, and optimize spending, underscoring the real impact of analytics on everyday lives.

The second session, held as a hands-on workshop, focused on a dataset closer to home: the MathVenture Pledge Drive sales data from the previous academic year. Working in teams, participants cleaned, explored, and visualized the dataset to identify key trends and summarize essential metrics. From understanding donation behavior to evaluating the performance of different pledge tiers and channels, the students were challenged to draw actionable insights and make targeted recommendations for the AMS Sales Office.

The activity culminated in group presentations, where each team communicated their findings to a panel of facilitators. Two students were recognized as Best Presenters for their clear and compelling analysis: Julia Isabelle Cruz and Jharlyn Mae Alejo. Both students demonstrated strong analytical thinking, data visualization, and storytelling, which are crucial skills for success in any data-driven field.

The event was a resounding success, not only for its technical content but for its emphasis on real-world applications. Through the lens of healthcare and student-led initiatives, the Data Analytics Seminar-Workshop provided attendees with an immersive experience that connected classroom concepts to professional practice.