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A Passion for Discovery Drives Stephanie Morrall’s Path in Data Science
Stephanie Morrall
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Education:
Ph.D. in Data Science, University of Virginia
B.S. in Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, Minor in Public Affairs 2024, Colorado School of Mines
For Stephanie Morrall, data science is more than numbers and code — it’s a way to unlock new frontiers in biomedical discovery. As a member of the University of Virginia’s (UVA) Ph.D. in Data Science program, she’s combining her background in quantitative biosciences and engineering with a deep curiosity about how data can accelerate understanding of the brain and human health. Drawn to UVA for its collaborative environment and interdisciplinary research, Morrall is eager to explore how computational methods can push the boundaries of traditional science.
Read on as Morrall shares her journey to data science, her research interests, and her advice for future Ph.D. students.
Q: When and how did you become interested in data science?
I first became interested in data science when I realized its power to accelerate discovery in many other domains of science and research. Studying chemistry and biology in college exposed me to the limits of traditional experimental methods alone to fully capture the complexity of living systems. I saw how computational methods could help us sift through large, noisy datasets to identify nuanced conclusions and reveal previously invisible patterns. Specifically, I recognized that biomedical scientists needed better computational tools to capture the value of the data they had already gathered.
Q: Choosing a doctoral program is a big decision. Why did you choose UVA's Ph.D. in Data Science?
I applied to UVA’s Ph.D. in Data Science because of its numerous faculty members who are performing cutting-edge, data science-driven biomedical and neurological research. However, I chose UVA because of the department’s welcoming and collaborative environment and ambitious vision for its future. Through the support of faculty and peers and seeing the program’s numerous research collaborations with other universities, the program demonstrated its belief in collaboration and cooperation.
Additionally, I was inspired by the program’s plan to continuously create opportunities for faculty and students to advance their research skills, hire experts in the field, and help students find employment upon graduation. Finally, Charlottesville, with its temperate weather and access to Shenandoah National Park, is a place where I knew I could be happy living for the next half-decade of my life. For these reasons, I am confident that UVA’s Data Science program will offer me an unparalleled educational opportunity during my Ph.D.
Q: What areas of research interest you and why?
I am interested in exploring data science within biomedical applications, including protein folding, drug discovery, and neurological modeling. Neuroscience is of particular interest because it naturally lends itself to interdisciplinary study, integrating diverse fields such as physics and psychology.
Through the use of data science, we can innovate on traditional methods of understanding the brain by analyzing and modeling the brain’s function computationally. Additionally, by better understanding biology and the brain, we could then also inspire improvements to the models themselves through biomimicry.
Q: What do you hope to do with your data science degree?
Upon graduation, I plan to do clinically relevant data science research in the biomedical industry, such as pharmaceutical development. However, as I am going into my first year of the Ph.D. program, I am excited to see how my experiences taking courses, being a teaching assistant, and doing research at UVA may modify or solidify my career goals.
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’re considering a Ph.D. in Data Science, I’d advise that you solidify why you want to pursue your degree; this is your North Star. Your passion, interest, and purpose are what will get you through difficult moments. If you remember why you’ve become invested in your work, you’ll be able to learn from and navigate through what can be a difficult but intensely rewarding experience.
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?
At first impression, the people are talented and driven yet genuinely supportive of and generous to each other. Despite diverse areas of research within the program, there is a strong sense of community and shared passion for research.
I’m looking forward to joining a department that is adaptable, values student feedback and experience, and works hard to provide each student with what they need in order to create rigorous research. It’s exciting to have the chance to contribute to the field of data science by continuing the fascinating work currently being done at UVA. Most immediately, this first semester, I’m looking forward to expanding my skills by taking Ph.D.-level courses.
I anticipate the first year at UVA will be a challenge, between my responsibilities as a teaching assistant, the rigorous courses, and the opportunity to rotate in a research lab. I also see selecting a compatible research lab as both an opportunity I’m grateful to have as well as an important challenge this first year.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love to rock climb and have a Corgi named Belle.
