Free Workshop | Learn to Use R / RStudio: Open Source Tools for Public Health Workers, Data Scientists, Environmental Researchers & Interpretive Artists

Sunday, 6/22/2025 - at the Public Art Futures Lab in Underground Atlanta

88 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

See below for detailed directions

Doors open: 10:50am, EST

Workshop: 11am - 3:30pm

Please note: There will be a lunch break, please bring something to eat. Water and fruit will be provided.

Workshop Overview:
Join us for a hands-on introduction to R and RStudio - powerful, open-source tools for statistical computing and data visualization that are tailored for public health professionals, data scientists, environmental researchers, and interpretive artists. Whether you’re navigating a career transition or expanding your data skills, this session offers an accessible entry point into the world of civic and health data.

Led by Jay Morris, a former CDC analyst, poet, and technologist, this workshop is designed to demystify technical tools while connecting them to real-world impact. Participants will learn how to clean, visualize, and interpret data using R, with optional time for personalized Q&A and consultation on individual datasets.

This program supports Fulton County’s commitment to workforce development and upskilling for those impacted by recent federal layoffs.

What You’ll Gain:

A beginner-friendly introduction to R and RStudio
Practical experience using datasets to analyze and visualize public health data
Job-search insights on how to position these skills for future opportunities
Optional Q&A for support with your own data projects

About the Facilitator:
Jay Morris is an artist and data researcher with over a decade of experience in public health. His work spans institutions like the CDC, Emory, and Howard University, with a recent focus on supporting rural communities affected by the opioid crisis. A dedicated member of Atlanta’s poetry scene, Jay brings heart, clarity, and a cross-disciplinary perspective to everything he teaches.

Who Should Attend:

Public health professionals
Civic technologists
Displaced federal employees seeking new skills
Artists working with data
Curious beginners eager to understand R

Accessibility Note: This workshop is open to all skill levels. Practice datasets will be provided, and support is available during and after the session.

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Stay Connected: For more information on this event and future happenings, follow us on Instagram @fultonpublicart and visit our website PublicArtFuturesLab.com for updates.

How to Find Us:The Public Art Futures Lab (Underground Atlanta, 88 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303). A simple way to find us is by using the MARTA Five Points Station as your starting point (30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303).

Exit the station and cross Peachtree Street toward the Underground Atlanta Tower. Look for the Underground Atlanta signage and follow it to a stairway leading down to a courtyard. Once in the courtyard, look for the row of glass doors, use the far-right entrance glass door. You’ll see the Public Art Futures Lab directly ahead, and restrooms are located to the right of the space.

If you require ADA assistance to access our space, please email Kathleen.Brown@fultoncountyga.gov. We’ll arrange for security to direct you to the ADA elevator.

Parking: There is street parking along Pryor Street and Peachtree Street SW and several paid parking decks and parking lots nearby on Wall Street. We suggest carpooling, using a rideshare or using MARTA Five Points Station to reach us. Please check MARTA's schedule for up to date rider information

Follow Fulton Public Art on Instagram for more info on this event and other upcoming happenings.

About the Public Art Futures Lab: The Futures Lab is a space to exhibit, experiment, educate and experience the role of technology as it relates to public art. By reducing barriers to creating and participating in this emerging space, the Lab seeks to expand access to cultural enrichment, provide the tools for local artists to thrive and maintain Fulton County's status as a creative cultural capital. The Futures Lab is made possible through the support of our host Underground Atlanta, and our residency partners A&E Atlanta and MARTA Artbound.

Learn to Use R / RStudio: Open Source Tools for Research and Analysis