When considering whether I would pursue a Ph.D., I received similar advice from various mentors: more so than other types of school or even most jobs, success in a Ph.D. is about finding an environment that enables you to do your best work.

By chance, I met several faculty members from the School of Data Science and my interactions with them encouraged me to learn more about UVA and the School. My visit cemented my hunch that the School would be the environment I needed to pursue my goals in the Ph.D. program.

Q: What areas of research interest you and why?

I like to work on socially impactful applied research in computer science and data science that helps improve people's lives. At the moment, I am working on problems in natural language processessing (NLP) and AI more broadly. I especially enjoy research that has applications in health and sports.

Q: What do you hope to do with your data science degree?

Like most Ph.D. students, I enjoy conducting research and finding where I can help extend to the boundary of knowledge in our field--I hope to continue doing research after receiving my PhD. I also enjoy interacting with students and helping share my joy for data science with others, so I aim to make teaching and mentorship a part of my post-UVA journey as well.

Q: What are your initial impressions of the school, faculty, and other students?

We are fortunate to be part of shaping a new school and work in a growing and rapidly changing field. Our new "home" on Ivy Road has made a great first impression on me. Our main challenge will be to continue adding bright students and faculty members to our existing community.

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?

I am a fifth-generation Seattleite (and drink a lot of coffee as a result)! I am one of the few students who is excited when it rains in Charlottesville.