Jennifer Berk
@jcberk.bsky.social
Data at DonorsChoose (resources for public school classrooms), opinions my own.
MIT (CS & math) and Chicago Booth (MBA) alum. Lover of SFF books, Mystery Hunt puzzles, knitting, travel, ugly fish, and industrial history museums.
MIT (CS & math) and Chicago Booth (MBA) alum. Lover of SFF books, Mystery Hunt puzzles, knitting, travel, ugly fish, and industrial history museums.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
When I started collecting stories for AI Killed My Job in the summer, I heard from Jacques, who headed up support operations at a small tech company. The company was training AI on he and his colleagues' work, and he was concerned.
When I checked in with him last month, he had been laid off.
When I checked in with him last month, he had been laid off.
When the AI boom began, copywriters were singled out as one of the jobs most vulnerable to AI. Now, three years later, I wanted to hear from workers on the frontlines of the industry, to hear what had actually taken place on the ground.
For many, it was even worse than they'd feared.
For many, it was even worse than they'd feared.
"I was forced to use AI until the day I was laid off." Copywriters reveal how AI has decimated their industry
Copywriters were one of the first to have their jobs targeted by AI firms. These are their stories, three years into the AI era.
www.bloodinthemachine.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:15 PM
When I started collecting stories for AI Killed My Job in the summer, I heard from Jacques, who headed up support operations at a small tech company. The company was training AI on he and his colleagues' work, and he was concerned.
When I checked in with him last month, he had been laid off.
When I checked in with him last month, he had been laid off.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Researchers tested several ways to train the AI chatbots to persuade people. The most effective tactic turned out not to be pyschological manipulation, but simply addressing voters' concerns one-by-one by presenting a ton of factual claims.
Troublingly, that worked even when the claims were false.
Troublingly, that worked even when the claims were false.
December 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Researchers tested several ways to train the AI chatbots to persuade people. The most effective tactic turned out not to be pyschological manipulation, but simply addressing voters' concerns one-by-one by presenting a ton of factual claims.
Troublingly, that worked even when the claims were false.
Troublingly, that worked even when the claims were false.
Support students & teachers near you!
‘Tis the season for ACTION! Starting now, every donation for students on DonorsChoose will be matched. Support a project today! https://bit.ly/3Mdf7a8
December 2, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Support students & teachers near you!
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Teachers, you don’t just talk about change, you make it happen.Instead of doomscrolling, the DonorsChoose community is taking action this Giving Tuesday.
On December 2, every donation for students on DonorsChoose will be matched.
Create a project today! https://bit.ly/49mBx2i
On December 2, every donation for students on DonorsChoose will be matched.
Create a project today! https://bit.ly/49mBx2i
November 21, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Teachers, you don’t just talk about change, you make it happen.Instead of doomscrolling, the DonorsChoose community is taking action this Giving Tuesday.
On December 2, every donation for students on DonorsChoose will be matched.
Create a project today! https://bit.ly/49mBx2i
On December 2, every donation for students on DonorsChoose will be matched.
Create a project today! https://bit.ly/49mBx2i
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Putting our kids first is an agenda we can all agree on 💙
Thank you for choosing students and making a difference! #ChooseStudents
Thank you for choosing students and making a difference! #ChooseStudents
November 25, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Putting our kids first is an agenda we can all agree on 💙
Thank you for choosing students and making a difference! #ChooseStudents
Thank you for choosing students and making a difference! #ChooseStudents
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Starting now, donations are doubled to support STEM learning!
STEM shapes the future! But many classrooms across the country don’t have the hands-on supplies they need. Today, we can meet the moment and put microscopes and calculators in the hands of curious kids. https://bit.ly/3LEHRZh
STEM shapes the future! But many classrooms across the country don’t have the hands-on supplies they need. Today, we can meet the moment and put microscopes and calculators in the hands of curious kids. https://bit.ly/3LEHRZh
November 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Starting now, donations are doubled to support STEM learning!
STEM shapes the future! But many classrooms across the country don’t have the hands-on supplies they need. Today, we can meet the moment and put microscopes and calculators in the hands of curious kids. https://bit.ly/3LEHRZh
STEM shapes the future! But many classrooms across the country don’t have the hands-on supplies they need. Today, we can meet the moment and put microscopes and calculators in the hands of curious kids. https://bit.ly/3LEHRZh
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Get ready to support STEM learning!
From robots to rulers, every dollar you give to STEM projects tomorrow will go twice as far! We can put real tools in the hands of future scientists, coders, and climate problem-solvers. 🌎💻🧪
Our students are waiting, and our future depends on it.
From robots to rulers, every dollar you give to STEM projects tomorrow will go twice as far! We can put real tools in the hands of future scientists, coders, and climate problem-solvers. 🌎💻🧪
Our students are waiting, and our future depends on it.
November 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Get ready to support STEM learning!
From robots to rulers, every dollar you give to STEM projects tomorrow will go twice as far! We can put real tools in the hands of future scientists, coders, and climate problem-solvers. 🌎💻🧪
Our students are waiting, and our future depends on it.
From robots to rulers, every dollar you give to STEM projects tomorrow will go twice as far! We can put real tools in the hands of future scientists, coders, and climate problem-solvers. 🌎💻🧪
Our students are waiting, and our future depends on it.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
MATCH UNLOCKED 🎉🚀⭐
Head to DonorsChoose.org/Kamau and support a classroom near you. Today, while funds last, @wkamaubell.bsky.social will match your donation!
Head to DonorsChoose.org/Kamau and support a classroom near you. Today, while funds last, @wkamaubell.bsky.social will match your donation!
October 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM
MATCH UNLOCKED 🎉🚀⭐
Head to DonorsChoose.org/Kamau and support a classroom near you. Today, while funds last, @wkamaubell.bsky.social will match your donation!
Head to DonorsChoose.org/Kamau and support a classroom near you. Today, while funds last, @wkamaubell.bsky.social will match your donation!
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
This week @wkamaubell.bsky.social is using his #CelebrityJeapardy winnings to surprise students. Today, he and #MeganRapinoe are scoring major points with the kids at P.S. 299! 🏆⚽
Join in and help students in your community: DonorsChoose.org/Megan.
Join in and help students in your community: DonorsChoose.org/Megan.
October 15, 2025 at 1:08 PM
This week @wkamaubell.bsky.social is using his #CelebrityJeapardy winnings to surprise students. Today, he and #MeganRapinoe are scoring major points with the kids at P.S. 299! 🏆⚽
Join in and help students in your community: DonorsChoose.org/Megan.
Join in and help students in your community: DonorsChoose.org/Megan.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
One of my favorite state fair creative activities objects this year: a quilted infographic documenting climate change.
September 1, 2025 at 5:50 PM
One of my favorite state fair creative activities objects this year: a quilted infographic documenting climate change.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
The first edition of the new newsletter is out! Check it out IF YOU DARE (halloween)
www.howtoreadthisch.art/the-glorious...
www.howtoreadthisch.art/the-glorious...
The glorious return of How To Read This Chart
Chapter 1
So, uh, what have you been up to?
The last time anyone received an issue of "How To Read This Chart," President Trump hadn't yet deployed the military to D.C., the Mets were only a game-and...
www.howtoreadthisch.art
October 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The first edition of the new newsletter is out! Check it out IF YOU DARE (halloween)
www.howtoreadthisch.art/the-glorious...
www.howtoreadthisch.art/the-glorious...
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
The videos from the #DataBS Conference have made it to YouTube!
Over the coming days, we'll highlight sessisons from the event -- one post per talk.
You can also sneak ahead by going straight to the YouTube playlist, here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Over the coming days, we'll highlight sessisons from the event -- one post per talk.
You can also sneak ahead by going straight to the YouTube playlist, here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Data Behind the Scenes 2025 - YouTube
Data Behind the Scenes is a data conference by data practitioners, for data practitioners. We come together to share stories and experiences about the the me...
www.youtube.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The videos from the #DataBS Conference have made it to YouTube!
Over the coming days, we'll highlight sessisons from the event -- one post per talk.
You can also sneak ahead by going straight to the YouTube playlist, here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Over the coming days, we'll highlight sessisons from the event -- one post per talk.
You can also sneak ahead by going straight to the YouTube playlist, here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
This summer was the driest ever in New Hampshire since data collection began in the late 19th century, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
2025 was NH’s driest summer ever recorded
Precipitation was four inches below average over the course of the season.
www.nhpr.org
September 25, 2025 at 4:15 PM
This summer was the driest ever in New Hampshire since data collection began in the late 19th century, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
5pm ET UPDATE: We have about 50% of funds remaining! Help teachers get the supplies they need today!
Support an Equity Focus school today and your donation will be doubled!
Every pencil, book, and microscope can unlock a student’s confidence, creativity, and way forward this fall.
Let’s make that happen double time at the most underfunded schools today! https://bit.ly/46n32XF
Every pencil, book, and microscope can unlock a student’s confidence, creativity, and way forward this fall.
Let’s make that happen double time at the most underfunded schools today! https://bit.ly/46n32XF
September 25, 2025 at 9:01 PM
5pm ET UPDATE: We have about 50% of funds remaining! Help teachers get the supplies they need today!
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin ✨ figured out what stars are made of ✨ when she was just 25. 🔭🧪
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
September 24, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin ✨ figured out what stars are made of ✨ when she was just 25. 🔭🧪
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
OK!! #DataBS conf starts in 45min and I'm gonna be busy hosting, SO, things to know:
Chat is on discord, NOT zoom: bit.ly/databs-chat
Last min registration: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Official Schedule: databsconf.com/schedule/
Chat is on discord, NOT zoom: bit.ly/databs-chat
Last min registration: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Official Schedule: databsconf.com/schedule/
Join the Approaching Significance Discord Server!
Check out the Approaching Significance community on Discord - hang out with 946 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
bit.ly
September 24, 2025 at 1:15 PM
OK!! #DataBS conf starts in 45min and I'm gonna be busy hosting, SO, things to know:
Chat is on discord, NOT zoom: bit.ly/databs-chat
Last min registration: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Official Schedule: databsconf.com/schedule/
Chat is on discord, NOT zoom: bit.ly/databs-chat
Last min registration: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Official Schedule: databsconf.com/schedule/
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Annnnnd we're off!
Conference chat will take place in our Discord channel, so we'll see you there: bit.ly/databs-chat
Conference chat will take place in our Discord channel, so we'll see you there: bit.ly/databs-chat
Join the Approaching Significance Discord Server!
Check out the Approaching Significance community on Discord - hang out with 955 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
bit.ly
September 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Annnnnd we're off!
Conference chat will take place in our Discord channel, so we'll see you there: bit.ly/databs-chat
Conference chat will take place in our Discord channel, so we'll see you there: bit.ly/databs-chat
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Fun fact: Stephen Colbert gives every guest on The Late Show a DonorsChoose gift card to support public school students and teachers.
We’re honored to partner with Stephen and his team (@colbertlateshow.bsky.social) to help build a brighter future for kids across America ✨📚
We’re honored to partner with Stephen and his team (@colbertlateshow.bsky.social) to help build a brighter future for kids across America ✨📚
September 15, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Fun fact: Stephen Colbert gives every guest on The Late Show a DonorsChoose gift card to support public school students and teachers.
We’re honored to partner with Stephen and his team (@colbertlateshow.bsky.social) to help build a brighter future for kids across America ✨📚
We’re honored to partner with Stephen and his team (@colbertlateshow.bsky.social) to help build a brighter future for kids across America ✨📚
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Hey, an animated version of Weston Wei's delightful cover of my forthcoming novel The Subtle Art of Folding Space.
Off-kilter physics! A deadly family! A decision no one should have to make. Also, a lot of food.
Coming April 7, 2006. Preorder now!
torpublishinggroup.com/the-subtle-a...
Off-kilter physics! A deadly family! A decision no one should have to make. Also, a lot of food.
Coming April 7, 2006. Preorder now!
torpublishinggroup.com/the-subtle-a...
August 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Hey, an animated version of Weston Wei's delightful cover of my forthcoming novel The Subtle Art of Folding Space.
Off-kilter physics! A deadly family! A decision no one should have to make. Also, a lot of food.
Coming April 7, 2006. Preorder now!
torpublishinggroup.com/the-subtle-a...
Off-kilter physics! A deadly family! A decision no one should have to make. Also, a lot of food.
Coming April 7, 2006. Preorder now!
torpublishinggroup.com/the-subtle-a...
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Donald Trump seeks to sack Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook on.ft.com/3JyWlJa
Donald Trump seeks to sack Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook
US housing regulator accused official of mortgage irregularities in escalating attack on US central bank
on.ft.com
August 26, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Donald Trump seeks to sack Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook on.ft.com/3JyWlJa
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Data Behind the Scenes Conference free registration is open! Wed Sept 24, ~10am-5pm EDT. Online-only, single track.
Join data folks as they share experiences with how data work is done in production, thorns & disturbing hacks and all!
(Pls help get the word out 📈)
ti.to/databsconf/d...
#dataBS
Join data folks as they share experiences with how data work is done in production, thorns & disturbing hacks and all!
(Pls help get the word out 📈)
ti.to/databsconf/d...
#dataBS
DataBS Conf
"Data, Behind the Scenes" is a free-to-attend online-only, single track conference centered on the real stories of data work from the folks in the trenches. We’re not here for the latest AI hype, perf...
ti.to
August 20, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Data Behind the Scenes Conference free registration is open! Wed Sept 24, ~10am-5pm EDT. Online-only, single track.
Join data folks as they share experiences with how data work is done in production, thorns & disturbing hacks and all!
(Pls help get the word out 📈)
ti.to/databsconf/d...
#dataBS
Join data folks as they share experiences with how data work is done in production, thorns & disturbing hacks and all!
(Pls help get the word out 📈)
ti.to/databsconf/d...
#dataBS
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
Making a difference is easy when you start with students.
Today only, every classroom project on DonorsChoose is being matched.
Give students a high-five-worthy start to the year: www.donorschoose.org/donors/searc...
Today only, every classroom project on DonorsChoose is being matched.
Give students a high-five-worthy start to the year: www.donorschoose.org/donors/searc...
August 20, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Making a difference is easy when you start with students.
Today only, every classroom project on DonorsChoose is being matched.
Give students a high-five-worthy start to the year: www.donorschoose.org/donors/searc...
Today only, every classroom project on DonorsChoose is being matched.
Give students a high-five-worthy start to the year: www.donorschoose.org/donors/searc...
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
We are about $8500 away from fully funding!! KEEP IT ROLLING, SPACE UNICORNS! We want to not only fund, but reach our stretch goals of 3 original covers, staff raises, and keeping the flash fiction and novella!!
ICYMI, SPREAD THE WORD, SPACE UNICORNS! The Uncanny Magazine Year 12: Fly Forever, Space Unicorns! Kickstarter is 81% funded with 11 days to go! We need $9K to have another fabulous year of Uncanny! buff.ly/vgi5FXw
July 27, 2025 at 10:41 PM
We are about $8500 away from fully funding!! KEEP IT ROLLING, SPACE UNICORNS! We want to not only fund, but reach our stretch goals of 3 original covers, staff raises, and keeping the flash fiction and novella!!
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
With Tom Lehrer's passing, I suppose this is a moment to share the story of the prank he played on the National Security Agency, and how it went undiscovered for nearly 60 years.
July 27, 2025 at 9:01 PM
With Tom Lehrer's passing, I suppose this is a moment to share the story of the prank he played on the National Security Agency, and how it went undiscovered for nearly 60 years.
Reposted by Jennifer Berk
An AI slop factory apparently tried to rewrite our article about AI not replacing workers en masse, but hit the paywall... so just summarised the paywall. If this is the robot that takes my job I'll be v embarrassed
July 24, 2025 at 5:46 PM
An AI slop factory apparently tried to rewrite our article about AI not replacing workers en masse, but hit the paywall... so just summarised the paywall. If this is the robot that takes my job I'll be v embarrassed