Dr. Alex Kale

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Hello! I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and the Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago, where I create and evaluate tools that help people think with data, specializing in data visualization tools that aid analysis and decision-making. I lead the University of Chicago's Data Cognition Lab, which builds software to enable users to externalize their thinking when grappling with data-driven judgments. Before joining UChicago, I earned my PhD from the University of Washington (UW) in Information School, working closely with Jessica Hullman. During graduate school, I collaborated on statistical tools with members of the Midwest Uncertainty Collective at Northwestern University, the Interactive Data Lab at UW, and the Interpret ML team at Microsoft Research. I hold an MS in Information Science from UW (2020) and a BS in Psychology from UW (2015). I have been invited to speak at several recent academic seminars, discussing topics such as the role of epistemic uncertainty in systematic reviews and the impact of user behavior on data visualization interpretation. My teaching includes courses on data visualization, introductory programming, and advanced topics in data science.

Research Interests

Courses

Visualization in Data Science Topics in Data Science: Statistical Rethinking Data Interaction Topics in Data Science: Behavioral Experiments in Human-Computer Interaction Introduction to Computer Science

Requirements for University of Chicago

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Writing sample Candidate statement
Application Checklist
  • Candidate Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Writing Sample
  • Application Fee
Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy