Image
Preparing for the AI-Energy Revolution: Why Karthik Chose UVA's Online MSDS
Karthik Eswarapragada
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2027, University of Virginia
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering 2024, University of Virginia
Hometown
Aldie, Virginia
Employment
Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), Technology Consultant (Washington, D.C.)
Karthik Eswarapragada is pursuing an M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) at the University of Virginia, building on a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UVA and current work as a technology consultant at PwC in Washington, D.C.
A Double Hoo from Aldie, Virginia, Karthik discovered data science while completing his engineering thesis, realizing that the best-designed solution means little if it doesn't account for the people using it.
That insight, paired with hands-on experience navigating enterprise data challenges in the energy and utilities sector, led him to the MSDS online program, where he's positioning himself at the intersection of AI and energy, one of the industries most poised for transformation.
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
My path to data science started in the final year of my undergraduate program in mechanical engineering at UVA (Double Hoo!). In my undergraduate thesis class, I came to know that while the engineering design process is a beautiful framework for engineering, it does not emphasize the human component enough. In our thesis class, we learned that the most technically engineered design is not always the best one if no one wants to use it. To me, data science is the ability to sort through noise and quantify those signals that are not directly answered by physics or engineering.
After college, I joined the consulting industry with a focus on the energy and utilities sector. There I came to really appreciate the magnitude of the data around us. As a customer, we expect that our electricity is provided on demand at any and every second of the day without even a thought. To a utility, this is a data problem that they are constantly trying to optimize across massive layers of infrastructure and supply chain. It was a fascinating introduction to enterprise data, and I wanted to learn more.
Then, the revolutions in AI hit the world and I knew that I had to get involved. Not only because it directly impacts my industry, but also I could tell this would become a field that demands high literacy for any professional. I enrolled in the MSDS program alongside my full-time position to become a leader of this movement.
Q: What do you hope to do with an M.S. in Data Science degree?
Even though I am early in my career, I can tell that data science and the energy/utilities sector are on a collision course if they have not already collided. The global energy demand is ever increasing, and there are countless real-world problems that need solving today. I hope to combine my industry experience with technical expertise from the MSDS program to become a leader in this industry that is becoming the front and center of AI.
Q: What excited you about the MSDS online program?
The lean but effective coursework of the online MSDS program combined with the capstone project was a huge selling point for me. It enables me to realistically continue working, while gaining a valuable skill set that I can then apply to a real-world setting. The MSDS online electives are also very attractive, as I get to deep dive into applications outside of my niche such as financial engineering.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a master’s in data science?
I personally think literacy in data science is going to become mandatory for any professional, which can be daunting and at the same time highly rewarding. Data science enables communities to make informed decisions backed by the numbers for themselves and not just listen to outside authorities. The online MSDS program lowers that barrier of entry for any professional who wants to bring that superpower to their community.
Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
Before starting the online data science master's program, I hiked the Salkantay Trek in Peru! It was a five-day hike through Peruvian Andes covering around 45 miles!
Outside of work and school I love being outdoors and watching sports (Go Hoos and Commanders!)
Learn more about the part-time, 100% online M.S. in Data Science at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
