Lake Superior Ballroom M/N

This two-part series will strengthen the ability to use data analytics to tell a story and measure success. Participants must bring a computer (Mac or PC), have Microsoft Excel, and Tableau Public installed. A dataset will be emailed in advance of the workshop for downloading onto your computer.

Part two will focus on application - that is, we will analyze data. One of the most powerful aspects of data analysis is creating and using visualizations in an effort to improve share decision-making. The development and use of charts have the potential for improving understanding of complex topics. Participants will be provided experience creating visualizations with Microsoft Excel and Tableau Public to develop a compelling story through data. Participants will work through a series of case studies focused on rural health using the dataset provided in advanced.

Picture of Ryan Sandefer

Ryan Sandefer, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
The College of St. Scholastica

Ryan Sandefer, Ph.D. is the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the College of St. Scholastica. He is also an associate professor in the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management where he teaches research methods and data analytics. He is responsible for coordinating and integrating planning efforts around new and expanding non-traditional programs. Through the use of data analytics and metrics, Dr. Sandefer deepens the college’s culture of evidence and the use of data for strategic decision making. He ensures the alignment of initiatives with the College’s mission and values, especially the challenge of creating community among online and extended site learners. Dr. Sandefer is also an associate professor and former chair of the Department of Health informatics and Information Management at the College of St. Scholastica. Currently, Dr. Sandefer teaches courses in consumer informatics, data analytics, and research design. Dr. Sandefer has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Wyoming and completed his Ph.D. in health informatics from the University of Minnesota. Currently, Dr. Sandefer serves as the past-chair of the AHIMA Council for Excellence in Education, a presenter for the AHIMA data analytics workshops, and an instructor for the Certified Health Data Analytics exam prep workshops. Dr. Sandefer has extensive experience working with large health care datasets and analytic procedures. Recently, Dr. Sandefer co-edited the textbook Data Analytics in Healthcare Research: Tools and Strategies through AHIMA press, which offers a unique opportunity to experience big data from a hands-on perspective using open source tools and data.