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A 'School Without Walls' Fits an Analyst Who Wants Data Science for All
Kent Livesay
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2027, University of Virginia
B.S. in Economics and B.A. in Political Science 2017, James Madison University
Undergraduate Institution: James Madison University
Hometown
Richmond, VA
Employment
McKesson, Senior Business Intelligence Analyst (Charlottesville, VA)
Kent Livesay’s path to data science has taken him from commercial construction and mortgage finance to business intelligence in health care. Now, as a student in UVA’s online M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program, he is building on that cross-industry experience while exploring how data science can help people make sense of an increasingly complex world.
A Richmond native and MSDS Online Ambassador, Livesay was drawn to UVA’s “School Without Walls” philosophy and the School’s collaborative, entrepreneurial culture. He is particularly interested in making data science and AI more approachable for nontechnical audiences – an interest that shapes his research, writing, and career goals.
Q: Why did you choose UVA’s MSDS?
As a born and raised Virginian, UVA’s reputation goes without saying. Additionally, the “School Without Walls” philosophy at the School of Data Science is resonant with my approach to problem solving and advocating that everyone learn about data science. This has proven to be more than a slogan since I arrived here, as the sense of community and entrepreneurial culture of the school proves there are no boundaries between people or their ideas.
Q: What professional experience did you bring to the MSDS program?
I started off in the commercial construction industry working as a pre-construction engineer and project manager. Then I spent a couple years as a strategy analyst for a mortgage financing company. And for the past 4 years I have worked as a data analyst and strategist for a national health care device supplier.
Q: What has been your favorite class in the program so far, and why?
The Understanding Uncertainty class was a fascinating experience, as it presented some topics that I have studied before but framed them in a completely different way than I had ever seen. It really expanded my comprehension of statistical topics because it challenged my existing perspective.
I also really enjoyed the Computation for Data Science class because it tied principles of computer science and discrete mathematics to data science applications in a very useful way.
Q: What are your research and career interests?
I am passionate about the socialization of data science education to the masses. It is very important for non-technical people to have a baseline understanding of data science and artificial intelligence in order to safely interact with the modern world. This philosophy guides my research, writing, and my career, as I try to solve problems with an approach that demystifies the world of data science, and makes it less intimidating for people at all levels.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
I am a lifelong guitarist and music addict. My favorite genres are very eclectic and include jazz, hiphop, heavy metal, classical, indie, and anything in between.
Learn more about the part-time, 100% Online MSDS at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
