As a data analyst for the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC), I applied advanced statistical techniques and data visualization to support their mission of enhancing educational and employment success for deaf individuals. I collaborated with the NDC Research and Data team on projects such as transitioning from static PDF reports to an interactive, easily updatable data dashboard.
Objective Transition NDC's widely cited PDF reports into an accessible, updatable data dashboard that meets user needs, efficiently processes 20GB of data, and automates PDF report generation.
Challenge
Transition from static PDF reports (with a 2019 report cited 200+ times) to an interactive dashboard.
Develop a scalable, cost-effective solution that aligns with NDC's high-profile data dissemination needs.
Ensure accessibility, simplicity, and high performance on limited memory.
Challenge
Technology Selection: Implemented an R-based data pipeline, Express.js + Node.js + React.js for the dashboard, GitHub for version control and CI/CD, and Cloudways for deployment at a cost of $28 monthly.
Data Processing: Used Monte Carlo simulations, direct standard errors, and various tests to analyze statistical inferences with weighted survey data, generating state and national PDF reports automatically.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Worked closely with NDC’s team to enhance UI/UX and accessibility.
Results
High Engagement: The dashboard received 15,000+ queries, making it NDC's most visited page.
Efficiency: Data was updated successfully for four consecutive years with minimal intervention, including automatic generation of 50 state reports.
Funding Success: Instrumental in securing over $2 million in grants, with adoption by organizations like the National Association of the Deaf and Gallaudet University.