Online MSDS Student Profile: Mir Muhammad Abdur Rahman
Mir Muhammad Abdur Rahman
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2024, University of Virginia
B.S. in Mathematics 2022, University of Virginia
Hometown
Northern Virginia
Current Employer
Cloud Engineer at United Way Worldwide
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
I did a high school science fair where I used machine learning to classify images with a disease or not. This sparked my interest in the field and motivated me to pursue data science.
Q: What do you hope to do with a data science degree? What are your research/career interests?
I hope to start a unique business that changes the world by utilizing data science to help start new businesses. I hope to pursue research in this field and create a product that can launch my career.
Q: What class are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the deep learning class to see what it can be used to accomplish.
Q: What has surprised you about the Online Master’s in Data Science program so far?
What has surprised me the most about the program is that it has been very practical based in terms of it not just being proofs. Instead of learning the mathematical proofs that lead to the machine learning algorithm, we mainly focus on using the algorithm to solve real-world problems. An analogy would be that instead of learning engineering to develop a hammer, we focus on actually using the hammer itself.
Q: What has been your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite class so far has been with Professor Kropko where I learned the practice and applications of data science. I enjoyed learning about the vast array of topics that relate to data science and how it can help me in the information technology field.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering an Online Master’s in Data Science?
My advice would be to dedicate time to the program as it can take quite a bit of effort.
Q: What made you choose UVA for your Master's in Data Science?
I received my undergraduate degree from UVA, and so that's how I learned about the School of Data Science. The School's reputation also made me choose this program.
Q: What's a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I want to get back into playing video games after stopping them for a long time.