Big data is everywhere, and companies nationwide are looking to capitalize on its promise.

On Wednesday, September 21, the School for Professional Studies at Elmhurst College will host Lunch & Learn: Emerging Trends in Data Science, a conversation over lunch about how modern approaches to data collection are being used to optimize organizational performance, better serve customers and clients, and create real business value in just about any setting.

This interactive session is open to the public and is ideal for anyone interested in big data and data science, including students of any age thinking about a career in the field, or business professionals trying to understand how to harness big data.

The session will be led by Professor James Kulich, director of Elmhurst College’s master of science program in data science. Kulich holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Northwestern University, and has extensive experience in applying quantitative methods and analytical tools to produce useful and actionable information from widely ranging data.

Lunch & Learn: Emerging Trends in Data Science will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, in Elmhurst College’s School for Professional Studies, 180 W. Park Ave., Suite 255, in Elmhurst. Admission is $10 at the door (cash or check only), and includes a box lunch. Space is limited, so reserve your space by contacting the School for Professional Studies at (630) 617-3300 or [email protected].

The Lunch & Learn on data science is the first in a monthly series of lunchtime conversations about emerging trends in growing industries. Led by subject matter experts, the discussions explore how these trends are affecting organizations and job growth. Future Lunch & Learn topics include Cyber Security, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Project Management, Health Informatics, Public Health, Health Care Administration and Supply Chain Management.