Professional Edge Events

This three-session workshop covers the basics of working with geographic data to make maps in QGIS, an open-source GIS platform. Topics include creating and editing vector data (session 1) and georeferencing raster imagery (session 2). The final, optional session culminates in combining vector and raster data to create a topographic map.

No experience with QGIS is assumed, and more advanced topics may be introduced depending on time and student interest. Computers with QGIS installed will be provided for you. Register online via LibCal.

This comprehensive introduction to high-performance computing prepares attendees to use Talapas, UO's supercomputer. These interactive workshops introduce UNIX commands, Bash scripting, file management, OnDemand, Slurm, JupyterLab integration, and Talapas best practices. Workshops are taught by a team of instructors from UO Libraries, Research Advanced Computer Services (RACS), and the Lewis Center for Neuroimaging. Learn from experts in high performance computing and neuroscience!

No prior experience with the command line or high-performance computing is required, though participants may benefit from knowledge of a programming language like Python or R.

Schedule

• Introduction to Bash – October 14, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Bash Scripting on Talapas – October 16, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Talapas Essentials – October 21, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Running Jobs on Talapas with Slurm – October 23, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Advanced Slurm – October 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• JupyterLab on Talapas – October 30, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Instructors

• Bruce Edelman - Research Computing Facilitator, RACS
• Freddy Lopez - Research Systems Engineer, RACS
• Jolinda Smith - MR Physicist, Lewis Center for Neuroimaging
• Erin M. Winter - Research Data Management Librarian, Data Services
• William Winter - Research Software Engineer, RACS

To make sure participants can access Talapas during in-person workshop sessions, advance registration is required. Priority will be given to students, faculty, and staff with positions in research labs that use (or plan to use) Talapas.

Want to get a sneak peek of the curriculum? Previous sessions are archived on the course website on GitHub. Contact us if you have any questions.

Develop core programming skills that will allow you to write Python scripts for your own work. This free, eight-part workshop series will introduce you to the fundamentals of programming in Python through interactive programming exercises. No experience required!

Topics covered include the following:

• Variables and data types
• Mathematical functions
• Jupyter notebooks
• Reading data into Python
• Plotting data with Pandas

This hybrid, interactive course is intended for beginners to programming. Register online for Zoom link. Not sure how to install Python? Our first day will be focused on installing Python and configuring your coding environment.

Our curriculum is adapted from the Software Carpentries Python curriculum. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

This three-session workshop covers the basics of working with geographic data to make maps in QGIS, an open-source GIS platform. Topics include creating and editing vector data (session 1) and georeferencing raster imagery (session 2). The final, optional session culminates in combining vector and raster data to create a topographic map.

No experience with QGIS is assumed, and more advanced topics may be introduced depending on time and student interest. Computers with QGIS installed will be provided for you. Register online via LibCal.

Think Excel is just rows, columns, and formulas? This workshop will change your mind. Discover the Microsoft Excel features that will transform your productivity during this one-day workshop.

In just one hour, you'll explore powerful features that go far beyond basic spreadsheets—tools that help you clean data, analyze trends, and make smarter decisions faster. This session isn't about learning how to sum a column, it's about unlocking the hidden gems that make Excel a powerhouse for productivity and insight.  

What You'll Learn

• Data validation and cleanup – Learn how to control data entry with validation rules and quickly remove duplicates to keep your spreadsheets clean and reliable.  
• Flash fill and quick analysis – Discover how Excel can recognize patterns and automate formatting, and use the quick analysis tool to instantly visualize your data.  
• Mini visuals with Sparklines – Add tiny, powerful charts directly into cells to show trends at a glance. They're perfect for dashboards and reports.  
• What-if analysis and goal seek – Explore scenario planning tools that help you test outcomes and find the exact inputs needed to reach your goals.  
• Consolidate tool – Combine data from multiple sheets or workbooks into one streamlined summary, no manual copy-pasting required.  
• Forecast sheet – Use built-in forecasting tools to project future trends based on historical data, with just a few clicks.  

This workshop is ideal for anyone who already works with data in Excel and wants to move beyond formulas into smarter, faster analysis. Whether you're tracking budgets, managing projects, or reporting outcomes, these tools will help you work more efficiently and make your data work harder for you. Discover what you've been missing!