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Big Data, Bigger Wins

Big Data, Bigger Wins

The year 2023 was a significant one for Data Driven WV. One of the Chambers College’s research and outreach centers, Data Driven WV works to improve living and working conditions statewide through data-centric and technological solutions, with clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations.

The Center received a $150,000 donation from corporate partner WesBanco to ensure its continued operation and expansion. An investment like that requires outcomes, and Data Driven WV has plenty to show off, including a partnership with women’s self-defense nonprofit #500Rising and a collaboration with state government to expand broadband access statewide.

Data Driven WV also welcomed its inaugural class of Lewis Fellows, six students who will assume leadership roles in community impact projects. Additionally, the inaugural Denton Fellowship was awarded to Management Information Systems student Taggart Shea, who acted as project manager in a partnership with Monongalia Emergency Medical Services.

“2023 was a transformative year, advancing our mission for statewide betterment,” said Josh Meadows, director of Data Driven WV. “It was also a year of enriching student engagement, offering hands-on experiences in real-world projects. As we enter 2024, we're committed to continuing our work uplifting West Virginia's communities and fostering the next generation of leaders."

The Hall

The West Virginia Business Hall of Fame posthumously honored coal industry billionaire and philanthropist Chris Cline and three other state business leaders who have led widespread growth.

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First Pitch

Supported by Silicon Valley CEO Ray Zinn, the first ZinnStarter Pitch Competition, hosted by the LaunchLab, gave aspiring collegiate entrepreneurs an opportunity to win cash to build their ideas into the next groundbreaking product or business. Winners included: First place ($2,500): Emma Adams, WVU animal and nutritional sciences major, and her business idea PetRecord, which provides universal medical records for pets in emergency situations; second place ($1,500): Cameron Keefe, global supply chain management major, and her idea ThermoRoller, which combines physical massage with temperature control to relieve sore muscle pain; and third place ($1,000) to the team of Austin Davis, Anne Byer and Emily Thomas, from the University of Charleston, and their idea Second Chance, a program that helps give active control back to people with quadriplegia and paraplegia. 

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Cyber Successes

Christopher Ramezan, assistant professor of management information systems and coordinator of the business cybersecurity management program, was recently recognized for his teaching prowess by two different organizations. 

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Fashion and Finance

Interested in finance, but also fashion? You can do both! John Pineda, finance senior and fashion merchandising minor, attended New York Fashion Week this fall as a production coordinator. He had the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes to put on a show — everything from hair and makeup to seating, lighting, ticketing and security.

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