WKU News

Data is everywhere, often hiding in plain sight. From the apps that recommend what to watch next to the statistics quoted in news articles and research papers, data shapes how we understand the world. During Love Data Week 2026, WKU Libraries invites the campus community to ask an important question: Where’s the data?

Taking place February 9–13, 2026, Love Data Week is a weeklong series of events designed to help students, faculty, and staff better understand how data is collected, stored, interpreted, and sometimes misrepresented. This year’s theme encourages participants to think about data’s full journey and to build confidence in interpreting what they see, both in academic work and everyday life.

“Data literacy isn’t just for data science majors—it’s a fundamental skill for every WKU student navigating college and career,” said Heather Beirne, Department Chair of Library Public Services.  “Whether you’re evaluating sources for a research paper, interpreting statistics in a news article, or making evidence-based decisions in your field, understanding data helps you think more critically and communicate more persuasively. Love Data Week gives students accessible, hands-on opportunities to build these skills in a supportive environment.”

According to Ashley Orehek, Assistant Professor and STEM Librarian, Love Data Week directly supports WKU Libraries’ mission to promote student learning and research. “We all interact with data regularly,” Orehek said. “It’s important to be data literate and confidently interpret what you’re looking at—not just for research, but for daily life as well.”

Throughout the week, attendees can expect a variety of interactive workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities that will focus on helping participants build confidence in interpreting data, and better understand how data connects to research, coursework, and everyday decision-making across majors. Events will be offered in person and in hybrid formats, allowing participants to engage in ways that best fit their schedules. Registration is highly encouraged for all events.

A highlight of the week is Data Science Day, a one-day conference held on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Co-sponsored by the Innovation Campus and the Applied Center for Data Science, Data Science Day serves as the culminating event for Love Data Week.

Students are encouraged to present research, class projects, or creative work that involves data in any form. Orehek noted that presenting offers valuable preparation for the Student Research Showcase. “It gives students a chance to practice their presentations, see what works, and make adjustments so they feel fully prepared,” she said.

Data Science Day—and Love Data Week as a whole—is open to all WKU students, faculty, and staff, including both undergraduate and graduate students. For students, participating as a presenter is an opportunity to gain presentation experience, share their work with a broader audience, and boost their resumes. Registration is required for Data Science Day.

Love Data Week is made possible through cross-campus collaboration, highlighting the Libraries’ role as a central hub for student learning and research. “Working with partners across campus strengthens the event and encourages future collaboration,” Orehek said.

For a full schedule of events and the latest updates, visit the WKU Libraries events calendar.