By Keeler Thomas ’25
Anticipating Valentine’s Day, and in honor of International Love Data Week, the Dominguez Center for Data Science hosted its first Code a Valentine guided event. Did you know you can create unique geometries using simple computer programming? In one short evening, participants used the data visualization and statistical package R, with provided templates from the Center, to learn the basics of drawing hearts, trees, and other complex shapes. They were then able to individualize and customize their drawings and messages to decorate and print personal digital Valentine’s Day cards.
The event, which was open to the entire campus and intended for all members of the Bucknell community from the most experienced programmers to coding newcomers, was supported by 5 of the Center’s Student Fellows and Director Kelly McConville. In all, 20 attendees across all 3 Colleges and 15 Majors made personalized Valentine’s Day cards. This event connected community members with similar personal and data-related interests, strengthening a broader data-literate community on campus.
