Other

This page will consist of conferences I’ve attended or other professional developments.

Conferences and Badges

October 5th - 6th 2024: Rowdy Datathon at UTSA

During this datathon, I learned more methods of data visualization using Python and pandas in python, time series and analysis and leveraging SQL with Python for data analysis.

I also learned about large language models (LLM): Interacting LLMs can be modeled with traditional population dynamics approaches. LLMs have to be used with caution due to the phenomenon of invalidation (a.k.a. hallucination). Consensus approaches  can minimize (or eliminate) invalidation of information. The use of consensus can yield a potent tool for research.

Public and Non-Profit Managment Conference - April 25th - 2025

I attended the 9th Annual PNM conference in innovation in public and nonprofit management. Learning from a panel to understand technological and social innovation in human-centric workplace and cyber security events and risk.

Pathway to Professional Digital Badge Program - UTD

The Pathway to Professionalism Badge is designed to increase career readiness skills, specifically the National Association of College & Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. Career readiness skills can boost a student’s competitive advantage in the workforce, including the job search and the job retention processes. By gaining career readiness skills, students increase their confidence and ability to succeed in the world of work. Awarded on May 22, 2025.

In Publications

Medicaid LTE

In Dallas Morning News: Friday May 16th, 2025.

Cuts will gut Medicaid
Re: “Congress can’t cut Medicaid without cutting services — In Texas, recipients are pregnant women, children, those with disabilities and nursing home residents,” by Fred Cerise, Monday Opinion.
At a time when millions of Americans rely on Medicaid for essential care, Congress is debating billions in cuts that could devastate access, while downplaying the consequences.
Policymakers are proposing to slash Medicaid funding under the guise of eliminating fraud. But let’s be clear: You can’t gut the funding without gutting the services.
In Texas, that means fewer doctors, less care and real harm to people already struggling. One major target is a legal funding mechanism used by almost every state: provider taxes that help unlock federal Medicaid dollars. If Congress lowers the cap on these taxes, Texas could lose nearly $5 billion in care. That’s not fraud reduction; that’s cutting care.
We need leaders who will protect our most vulnerable, not quietly dismantle the system they rely on. Call your representative today and urge them to oppose these harmful Medicaid cuts. Texans can’t afford to lose the care they depend on.
Ashleigh M. Frank, North Dallas

SNAP LTE

In Dallas Morning News: Sunday May 18th, 2025

Prioritize food policies

Re: “Texas leads nation in hunger — Rising prices for necessities outpace D-FW family budgets,” Thursday news story.
As a graduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas, I often plan my meals around the limited food I receive from the campus pantry, supported by the North Texas Food Bank. Despite working and budgeting, I can’t always afford enough food, and I know I’m not alone. According to UTD’s 2023 Your Needs Survey, 25.8% of students ate less than they should because they couldn’t afford to buy more food. But food insecurity goes beyond campus. Many families today are struggling with rising grocery costs and other essential expenses. No one should have to choose between basic needs. Hunger affects our communities, our workforce and our future. Congress has the opportunity to address this in the next Farm Bill by strengthening SNAP benefits and making them more accessible. We must prioritize policies that ensure every person, student, worker, parent or elder has reliable access to nutritious food. I urge readers to contact their congressional members to prioritize this urgent issue and protect the health and well-being of all Texans.
Ashleigh M. Frank, Dallas