Data Science  is like Rome, and all roads lead to Rome. H2O WORLD is the crossroad, pulling in a confluence of math, statistics, science and computer science and incorporating all avenues of business. From the academic, research oriented models to the business and computer science analytics implementations of those ideas, H2O WORLD informs attendees on H2O’s ability to help users and customers explore their data and produce a prediction or answer a question.

I came to H2O World hoping to gain a better understanding of H2O’s software and of Data Science in general. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the sessions, following along with the demos and playing with H2O myself. Learning from the hackers and Data Scientists about the algorithms and science behind H2O and seeing the community spirit at the Hackathons was enlightening. Listening to the keynote speakers, both women, describe our data-influenced future and hearing the customer’s point of view on how H2O has impacted their work has been inspirational. I especially appreciated learning about the potential influence on scientific and medical research and social issues and H2O’s ability to influence positive change.

Curiosity led me to delve into the world of Data Science and as a person with a background of science and math, I wasn’t sure how it applied to me. Now I realize that there is virtually no discipline which cannot benefit from the methods of Data Science and that there is great power in asking the right questions and telling a good story. H2O WORLD broadened my horizons and gave me a new perspective on the role of Data Science in the world. Data science can be harnessed as force for social good where a few people from around the globe can change the world. H2O World 2015 was a great success and I truly enjoyed learning and being there.