The Coalition for Advancing Digital Research and Education (CADRE) will host the CADRE Spring Symposium Series beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 26. The symposia will explore current topics in digital research at Oklahoma State University through monthly speaker presentations followed by moderated question and answer. The OSU Spears School of Business recognizes that business schools are change makers for students, businesses and society. Data and statistics are important when it comes to establishing successful businesses. Researchers within Spears Business are using big data and data analytics to not only address business challenges, but to put that research to use for the greater good. During this symposium, Spears Business faculty will present on how they are using digital research to create impact on business and society.  Using social media sites and online web advertising, researchers are gathering data that can shape everything from foodservice operations to human trafficking patterns. The new Spears Center for Social and Business Impact is intentionally focusing on how more of this research can be done to have a positive impact on Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Discussion will be modified by Dr. Rebecca Eastham,  Director, Spears Center for Social and Businesss Impact Panelists: Dr. Miriam McGaugh, School of Marketing & International Business – Understanding Patterns of Human Trafficking Dr. Willie Tao, School of Hospitality & Tourism – Using Big Data in the Foodservice Context Dr. Matthew Rutherford and Dr. Duygu Phillips, School of Entrepreneurship - New Venture Social Media Legitimacy