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From Air Force to Academia: Aaron Giddings Charts a New Path in Data Science
Aaron Giddings
Hometown: Springfield, VA
Education:
Ph.D. in Data Science, University of Virginia
M.S. in Operations Research 2020, Air Force Institute of Technology
B.S. in Mathematics 2015, Virginia Tech
From the Air Force to academia, Aaron Giddings is charting a new path through the University of Virginia’s (UVA) Ph.D. in Data Science program. Combining his background in mathematics and operations research with a passion for sports and injury prevention, he’s using data to make a real-world impact. Learn how Giddings’ research, experience, and curiosity are driving his journey in data science.
Q: When and how did you become interested in data science?
I became interested in Data Science when I was pursuing my master's degree. Data Science allows people to analyze data relating to specific fields to bring valuable insights to whatever they are applying those skills to, which fascinates me.
Q: Choosing a doctoral program is a big decision. Why did you choose UVA's Ph.D. in Data Science?
I wanted to be closer to my family and have the privilege to study at such a prestigious university. I loved that the School of Data Science allows students to work on real-world problem sets for their research.
Q: What areas of research interest you and why?
I love sports, and I am applying my research to kinesiology in athletes to prevent injuries.
Q: What do you hope to do with your data science degree?
I hope to apply what I learn here to improve the Air Force and help prevent injury in athletes.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students considering a Ph.D. in Data Science? What do you wish you had known before starting?
If you are passionate about math and curious about applying it to understand and improve the way the world works, then data science is the right field for you.
Q: What are your initial impressions of the school, faculty, and other students? What are you most excited about, and what challenges do you anticipate?
Every faculty member that I have met has been world-class in the experiences they have, the professionalism they have exuded, and extremely helpful and kind. I am humbled to be working with such brilliant individuals! I am excited to be growing my data science skills and applying them to a passion of mine. Since I have been out of academics for 5 years, I anticipate a learning curve.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
My mom was in the Air Force for 24 years from when I was born, inspiring me to join after college (I have been in for over 9 years). At this point in my life, I have visited 25 countries. As I mentioned previously, I also love sports, particularly football, baseball, and basketball. I also love hiking and visiting the National Parks (I have been to 10 of them).
