Workshop Description (Advanced Course)
This advanced workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to data visualization in R, with a focus on mastering ggplot2 (https://ggplot2.tidyverse.org/) to create effective, insightful graphics. Tailored for participants with a foundational knowledge of R, the workshop covers topics like data wrangling, visualization principles, and advanced techniques to customize and expand visualizations. Participants will gain hands-on experience and explore the art and science of visualization, learning to manipulate data and create plots that are clear, accurate, and visually engaging. For registration information, please refer to this link
Workshop Topics
Day 1
Day 1: Introduction to data wrangling and visualization
- R/RStudio environment setup
- Overview of data visualization: key concepts and workflow
- Data manipulation and transformation with
dplyr - Introduction to
ggplot2and the grammar of graphics - Hands-on exercises with
dplyrandggplot2
Day 2
Day 2: In-depth exploration of ggplot2
- Aesthetics, visual elements, and geometric objects
- Layer components and varous types of plots
- Scales (size, shape, colour, position) control
- Coordinate systems and facets
- Creating basic plots with
ggplot2: histogram, bar chart, boxplot, scatter plot, etc.
Day 3
Day 3: Customization and advanced topics in ggplot2
- Customizing titles, axes, legends, and themes
- Principles of data visualization and best practices
- Exploring
ggplot2extension packages - Building and customizing complex visualizations with
ggplot2
Technical Requirements
R/RStudio
Instructor
Dr. Xiaolu Guo is a postdoctoral fellow in the Systems Signaling Lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at UCLA, where she works with Prof. Alexander Hoffmann. She specializes in single‑cell signaling and gene‑expression data analysis, employing machine‑learning algorithms, statistical inferences, and mechanistic models grounded in biophysical and biochemical principles. Using these analyses, she aims to develop data‑driven mechanistic models at the single‑cell level and uncover the principles governing signaling fidelity and gene regulation. Dr. Guo earned her B.S. in Mathematics from the School of Mathematical Sciences at Nankai University and her Ph.D. from the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University.
Email: xiaoluguo@g.ucla.edu
Reviews
Videos
Workshop Details
Prerequisites: Intro to R (W3) is highly recommended.
Length: 3 days, 3 hrs per day
Level: Advanced
Location: Boyer 529
Seats Available: 28
Fall 2025 Dates
Nov. 4, Nov. 5 and Nov. 6
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
