Data Visualization in R, using ggplot2

This workshop provides an introduction to effective data visualization in R, primarily using the graphics package ggplot2. We will discuss main concepts of the grammar that defines the graphical building blocks of that package, and we will use hands-on examples to explore ggplot2’s layered approach to creating basic and more complex graphs. The workshop will emphasize the many choices we have in creating data visualizations, and how to choose among those to make a clear and concise point to your audience. Participants should have at least basic experience with R and feel comfortable working with R data frames, but those relatively new to R may still find value in the workshop and are welcome to attend.

Learning objectives:

Attendees will come away with the ability to use the R package ggplot2, along with an iterative, layering approach, to construct polished visualizations of data that is stored in well-structured tables.

Knowledge prerequisites:

This is an introductory ggplot2 workshop and is intended for those with little or no experience using ggplot2. However, participants should have at least basic familiarity with R and RStudio, and in particular R data frames –" this session is not appropriate for people with no prior R experience.

Hardware/software prerequisites:

This session is heavily hands-on. To follow along with the exercises, participants should have both R and RStudio installed on their laptops. Instructions for how to do this can be found on the advance setup guide for PICSciE workshops (https://researchcomputing.princeton.edu/learn/workshops-live-training/hardware-and-software-requirements-picscie-workshops). Ideally, participants will also have installed the ggplot2 package in advance.

Alternately, participants who prefer to run RStudio remotely on one of Princeton’s systems can do so via the “myadroit” web interface to the Adroit cluster. To do so, you should first register for an account on Adroit (https://researchcomputing.princeton.edu/systems/adroit), as described in the advance setup guide for PICSciE workshops (https://researchcomputing.princeton.edu/learn/workshops-live-training/hardware-and-software-requirements-picscie-workshops). Then, connect to “myadroit” and start a MATLAB session, as described at https://github.com/PrincetonUniversity/hpc_beginning_workshop/tree/master/03_web_interface.

Session format:

Presentation, demo, and hands-on

What to expect:
Single workshop (one-off workshop –" 2 hours total)

Meet the facilitator:
Jake is Senior Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research in New York City, where his work in the area of computational social science involves applications of novel computational tools and statistical methods to large-scale social data. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Columbia University's Applied Mathematics Department , and runs the Microsoft Research Data Science Summer School to promote diversity in computer science. He was previously a member of the Social Dynamics group at Yahoo! Research. Before that he received his Ph.D. from Columbia University's Physics Department. See his CV for more on his background and experience (http://jakehofman.com/jmh_cv.pdf).

To request accommodations for this event, please contact the workshop or event facilitator at least 3 working days prior to the event.

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Co-hosted with: PICSciE/Research Computing

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