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From Patient Data to Better Outcomes: Stephenson Scholar Junhee Sim's Data Science Ambitions
Junhee Sim
Major: B.S. in Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2029
Hometown: Lorton, Virginia
For Junhee Sim, an interest in data science took hold when he realized he was talking about concepts from his Foundations of Data Science class even when no assignment required it. That curiosity has grown into an interest in using data to solve real-world problems, particularly at the intersection of data science and medicine.
Now a member of the second cohort of Stephenson Bicentennial Scholars at the University of Virginia School of Data Science, Sim is beginning his first year in the B.S. in Data Science program. He hopes the scholarship will help him become more deeply connected to the School’s data science community while building the skills to create responsible, interpretable data solutions that can make a meaningful difference.
Outside the classroom, the Lorton, Virginia native is involved with the Korean Student Association and works remotely with Mackdata and ESB Advertising. Read on to learn more about Sim, what drew him to data science, and where he hopes it will take him.
Q: What does being selected as a Stephenson Scholarship recipient mean to you personally, and how do you hope this opportunity will influence your journey at UVA?
I am truly grateful for this opportunity as well as for all the support from coworkers, mentors, and loved ones that has allowed me to get to this point.
I hope that the close support from the School of Data Science that this program extends will enable and guide me as I go through my career journey, and will also help me be more engaged with the data science circle here at UVA.
Q: When did you first realize data science was something you wanted to pursue? What sparked that interest?
I first realized data science was something I wanted to pursue when I caught myself talking about some concepts from my Foundations of Data Science class unprompted with others out of pure interest.
Q: What problem or challenge would you love to use data science to help solve?
I think it would be very interesting to collaborate with medical professionals to use data science for diagnosing diseases from various forms of patient data.
Q: The School emphasizes responsible data science for the common good. What does that idea mean to you, and how do you hope to put it into practice?
To me, this means using transparent, accountable, and honest methods of extracting truly useful insights from data that can help people, businesses, academia, etc.
In my current context, I hope that what I learn here will help me become skilled in more data science methods that I could apply to build more interpretable and useful data products at Mackdata that could truly help out companies.
Q: What extracurriculars, clubs, or sports are you involved in?
I am involved in the Korean Student Association, and also work remotely throughout the semester at Mackdata and ESB Advertising.
Q: What is a fun fact or two about you?
I like playing ping pong as well as going to the gym.
Learn more about the Stephenson Bicentennial Scholarship program. The Stephenson Experiential Learning Fund (SELF) supports high-impact, hands-on experiences and opportunities for BSDS students including internships, career treks, and micro-internships. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Support at stephensonscholars@virginia.edu.
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