M.S. in Data Science Student Ambassadors Answer Questions (with Kittens!)

MSDS Residential Student Ambassadors, Courtney Hodge and Disha Trivedi, were joined by two kittens as they answered questions about data science misconceptions and what they love about being students at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science. The kittens featured in their interview are available for adoption through Caring for Creatures, a no-kill animal sanctuary. 

How have your peers and professors shaped your experience at the UVA School of Data Science so far?   

Hodge: In terms of peers, I believe that the cohort just started mixing after orientation, and that was officially two months ago. I think we've started to get to know one another. We spent a lot of time running through our first three classes and working after class in the reading room, some of the study areas, just to kind of understand the material better, and just to make sure that we’re on track, and that nobody’s behind. 

And then out of class, we've had some fun as well. We’ve gone to the Albemarle County Fair, that was really fun — just a lot of bonding. So if there’s opportunities to do that outside of the cohort within just the community, I think we take full advantage of that. And then the professors have shaped our experience just by being available. and being ready to answer all of our questions. They’re super friendly. There’s no intimidation there to reach out to them outside of our class work. So, very happy that they are part of the School, and I’m very happy that they’re here for us. 
 
Why did you choose the UVA School of Data Science?  

Trivedi: I think there’s a plethora of reasons why I chose the School but namely because of the community it has. This is our first time being in a building, a consolidated building, and when I heard about how the UVA School of Data Science will have its own new, consolidated place to congregate and build a community, I was really excited. Also, they have an amazing academic program — it being one year long was also very interesting and rewarding. 

What is one common misconception about data science that you’d like to debunk? 

Hodge: I think data science for a lot of people is just kind of hard to comprehend. It’s super understandable, and it’s actually for everyone. In our cohort alone we have individuals from environmental sciences, and we have students within data science and computer science. But there are a lot of other students coming from within the industry into the program. I guess the intimidation factor is just based on what we’re doing. We’re analyzing, we’re building linear models, we are making predictions with sound statistical processes. So, I encourage those who intend to apply to just do it. Research, make sure that it’s for you, but know that UVA’s School of Data Science is a welcoming community.  

What is one way that data is important to you in your life?  

Trivedi: I feel like the whole world revolves around data. When we use our phones, when we go outside, when we drive our car — all of these are driven, literally, by data. So, I think this question is really tough to answer because I think it shapes my life and my everyday activities. Data is just who I am — it’s part of me and my life. 

What is your favorite feature about our new building? 

Hodge: I think when it comes to fall time, maybe into October, the fourth-floor awning is going to be a very nice spot just to study, to eat lunch, and to just enjoy the day. I also really appreciate that this building is super environmentally friendly. On the fourth floor we have, on the side, a small garden that you can kind of walk into and just look at what’s growing.  
 
The entire building overlooks the Emmet and Ivy intersection, so you can see what’s going on, people walking on Grounds, and just people watch. 
 
Other than that, I appreciate how nice the Capital One Hub is. There’s a huge screen that we can take full advantage of, and I think that’s going to be wonderful when it comes to presentations and guest speaker interviews.  

What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador for the School of Data Science? 

Trivedi: This is actually a hard question, because there are so many things that are amazing about being an ambassador. I think my favorite part is being able to be a direct liaison to the faculty and staff here. They are wonderful. I love Degi! You're amazing. And just everyone else here has been such a rock. 

What is something that people might not know about being a student at the UVA School of Data Science?  

Hodge: I think that what I’ve experienced and enjoyed so far are the opportunities to kind of work hard and play harder or work hard and relax harder. There’s a good group of students here who are super active outside of classes. We’re finishing up our grad student council elections. So I’m looking forward to working with some individuals to kind of get some events and some fun things for students for the upcoming school year. And I’m looking forward to seeing how we can give back to the cohort and the School in general. 

There are also opportunities for the School in terms of relaxing and just kind of getting ourselves back in a good mental headspace. We have a wellness room on the third floor. They’ve got beanbags. They have sensory Play-Doh toys in there. They have a small water system so that you can just reset your mind and take a break from technology for a little bit. It’s important to get your work done, get your assignments in on time, but also to just relax. I think that’s great. I’m looking forward to using that once it’s all set up.