Student Presentation & Participation in Conferences

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Local, National, and International Engagements

Dr. Zhuhadar, Director of the Center for Applied Data Analytics (CADA), is deeply committed to advancing student research and professional development at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Through the FUSE, RCAP, and external grants, she actively mentors and collaborates with students, enabling them to present their research at prestigious national and international conferences.

As of October 2024, Dr. Zhuhadar has secured significant funding to support both graduate and undergraduate student research initiatives. The center has been awarded external grants totaling $156,136. Additionally, the center has supported 7 graduate students through grants, with a combined total funding amount of $54,000. For undergraduate students, 15 FUSE grants have been awarded, amounting to a total of $58,000. Highlighted below are some of the students who have presented at national and international conferences through these funding opportunities.

Showcasing Excellence: GFCB Student Participation in Prestigious Analytics Conferences
Dr. Zhuhadar annually accompanies GFCB students to prestigious business analytics conferences such as INFORMS and Teradata Universe, which attract over 700 industry experts and professionals in analytics, AI, machine learning, and data science. These conferences provide premier platforms for showcasing cutting-edge mathematical solutions, fostering valuable networking opportunities, and celebrating outstanding achievements in the field.

Image: INFORMS Analytics Conference in Orlando, Florida, on April 14-15, 2024 (from left to right - Geoffrey Ross,  Jonathan Roberts, Dr. Lily Popova Zhuhadar, and Lilly Shipley)

Examples of GFCB Students’ Research Showcasing
During the the 2023 INFORMS Business Analytics Conference, three accomplished students—Maria Wells (Applied Economics), Jonah Hathaway (Accounting and Business Data Analytics), and Layla Dalton (Business Data Analytics)—presented their research, demonstrating their academic excellence and contributions to their fields.

Jonah Hathaway at the 2023 INFORMS Business Analytics Conference
Jonah presented his research, "Think Pandemic-Related Fraud Is Going Away? Think Again! From an Auditing Perspective," which was funded by a $3,000 Faculty Undergraduate Student Engagement grant. His study demonstrated the application of statistical methods like Benford’s Law to forensic accounting, highlighting the importance of advanced analytical tools in strengthening the accounting profession. 

Video: Jonah Hathaway was honored to be interviewed by the organizers at the INFORMS Business Analytics Conference held on April 17, 2023, in Aurora, CO.

Layla Daltonat the 2023 INFORMS Business Analytics Conference
Layla, an undergraduate in Business Data Analytics, collaborated with Dr. Zhuhadar on a study titled "Health Inequity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence." This groundbreaking research, funded by a $3,000 grant, explored how AI can be used to address and mitigate health disparities, especially those magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Video: Layla Dalton also received the honor of being interviewed by the conference organizers at the INFORMS Business Analytics Conference held on April 17, 2023, in Aurora, CO.

Maria Wells presented her research at the Informs Business Analytics Conference, April 16-18, 2023, in Aurora, CO. (virtually)

Maria presented her research titled "The Influence of AmeriCorps Members on Ecosystem Management"virtually, in collaboration with Dr. Lily Popova Zhuhadar and Dr. Allie McCreary. This project, funded by a $156,000 grant, assessed the impact of AmeriCorps on public land management using advanced statistical methods like linear regression and Difference-in-Differences analysis. Their findings emphasized AmeriCorps' effectiveness in enhancing recreational access, managing fire risks, and controlling invasive species.

Zoom Presentation: Maria Wells presented her research at the Informs Business Analytics Conference, April 16-18, 2023, in Aurora, CO.