Tracking COVID-19 with Ruby

Explore a programmer's journey in tracking COVID-19 data using Ruby in this 21-minute conference talk. Learn how to retrieve and analyze large datasets from obscure state sources to understand the pandemic's extent. Discover the unexpected path that led to contributing to the COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic. Gain insights into web scraping techniques, data scaling, pagination, and the importance of intuition in data analysis. Understand the challenges faced, including data issues and reopening criteria. Conclude with key takeaways on the intersection of technology and public health, emphasizing the importance of supporting local journalism, promoting healthcare for all, and fighting systemic racism. Recognize how technologists can contribute to solving complex societal problems by applying their skills beyond traditional tech domains.

Intro
Frank
Wuhan
January 2020
How to Prevent an Outbreak
Lunar New Year
Is it spreading?
Johns Hopkins University
The COVID Tracking Project AT The Atlantic
undistinguishable from magic
hunting for good data
scaling
pagination
threads
intuition
Rebekah Jones
tipping point
researchers
excess mortality
local journalism
data issues
reopening criteria
Takeaways
Pay for News
Vote for Science
Promote Healthcare for All
private health insurance is mathematically silly
Fight Systemic Racism
End Private Prisons
Contribute your Time & Money
Volunteer
All problems are not technology problems but technologists can help if they show up.