11-08, 09:00–09:45 (US/Eastern), Central Park West
In this keynote address, Dr. Lawrence Gray will take you on a captivating journey through three interconnected stories, illustrating the profound impact of Python and computational thinking on his life and career. The stories will highlight the transformative power of open-source communities, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the importance of openness and human connection in defining your careers. The keynote will begin with Dr. Gray's personal story, a testament to the unexpected ways in which Python can serve as a lifeline. Dr. Gray will then transition to his experiences in open-source communities, drawing parallels between the challenges of building sustainable projects and the unexpected adventures of his road trips.
Dr. Gray will leave you with advice on building stronger and more sustainable open-source projects and creating social capital in the data science ecosystem.
No previous knowledge expected
An AI leader with a mission, Dr. Lawrence Gray brings a wealth of experience from the consulting, accounting, and geospatial intelligence sectors to his role as Director of Engineering at KUNGFU.AI. With a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins in Cellular and Molecular Physiology and a career spanning over 10 years, Dr. Gray has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible with machine learning and data-driven decision-making. As an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, he shapes the next generation of data practitioners, teaching courses in Data Analytics and Data-Driven Decision Making. Dr. Gray's commitment to open science is evident in his work with NumFocus and as a core maintainer of Yellowbrick. Currently authoring two books for Manning Publications, he continues to share his expertise with the wider tech community. Dr. Gray is particularly excited by the potential of AI to drive new discoveries in mental health, fueled by a passion to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. This enthusiasm reflects his belief in AI as a powerful tool for groundbreaking research and positive societal impact.