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MSDS Online Student Profile: James Caldwell
James Caldwell
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2026, University of Virginia
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering 2019, Virginia Tech
Hometown
Fairfax, VA
Employment
University of Virginia Institutional Research and Analytics, Data Specialist
James Caldwell’s journey to data science wasn’t a straight path—it was a gradual realization sparked by hands-on experience and a passion for problem-solving. From automating data analysis at a Volvo manufacturing plant to tackling real-world challenges in the Navy and biomechanics research, James found himself drawn to the power of data.
Now, as a Data Specialist at the University of Virginia (UVA) Institutional Research and Analytics and a student in the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) online program, he’s applying his skills in meaningful ways while preparing for a future in data leadership. In this Q&A, James shares insights on his career transition, what excites him about data science, and his advice for prospective students.
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
My career has been a “slow fall” into data science. I’ve always enjoyed data, but only more recently realized it was what I wanted to do full-time.
I first fell in love with data during a college internship at a Volvo manufacturing plant. While there, I wrote Excel macros to automate paint quality data analysis. After college, I worked in the Navy as a Nuclear Engineering Sub Officer. I rarely worked with Excel or any programming languages during this time, but I spent a lot of time dealing with real-world data problems.
After the Navy, I worked at the University’s Center for Applied Biomechanics, where I collected and analyzed data for car crash and sports safety research. I spent a lot of time diving into the data world, writing code in Matlab and Python, and doing some personal projects with Python and SQL.
It was then that I realized that my favorite days were the days I was writing code and solving data problems. I simultaneously started a full-time data specialist position and enrolled in the MSDS program.
Q: What do you hope to do with an M.S. in Data Science degree?
Short term, I’ve really enjoyed applying what we’re learning in class to my job as a Data Specialist at UVA Institutional Research and Analytics. I hope to continue improving my effectiveness at work, especially with data wrangling, automation, and machine learning techniques. Long term, I hope to begin using my expertise to increase the quality of data science within my team and eventually lead a team of my own.
Q: What excited you about the MSDS online program?
I was most excited about the professors and quality of education in the MSDS online program. All the professors that I’ve had so far have been excellent, and their classes have been just the right level of challenging for me.
There’s so much to learn within data science, it is sometimes overwhelming to try to learn everything on your own. That is why I really appreciate how my classes have been covering a wide range of topics within the world of data science: history, the latest trends, best techniques, etc.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s in Data Science?
I would think about what you enjoy most from your experience with data and data science. Before applying to the MSDS program, I found that my favorite days at work were the days that I was programming, solving data problems, and answering challenging questions using data. So far, the data science program has been fun. I would not recommend doing the MSDS program just to get a higher-paying job or to hop on the AI trend.
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Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
In my free time, I love to fly first-person-view (FPV) drones. It’s a super fun hobby that mixes photography and something like a “real-life” video game.
I also love getting outside whenever I can: running, hiking, camping/backpacking. My favorite hike in Virginia is Dragon's Tooth.
