“Solving problems shouldn’t be an option, it should be the first instinct!”
Major: Ethical data science
What drew you to data science and Naz?
I grew up in Buffalo and wanted to stay close to home. I wanted to continue playing soccer and I was interested in the tech space. I was first drawn to Nazareth’s business, artificial intelligence, and innovation major, then wanted something more technical, so I switched my major to ethical data science.
It’s been a good fit for me. I enjoy solving questions that can be answered using data science methodologies.
What’s next after Naz?
I accepted a job offer as a junior data scientist at IBM in Buffalo! I’m excited to gain more experience and learn from experts in my department.
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| Philadelphia is where I spent two summers as a data science intern at GlaxoSmithKline. |
What stands out? Best experiences in college?
- In one tech course, I helped a local nonprofit that seeks to end homelessness. The organization collected government-required data but hadn’t analyzed it. We helped them gain insights about people’s journeys, including data on people who became homeless again. Collecting data is one step, but making sure we’re solving the problems is another.
- I spent two summers working at GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia in paid roles, living in an apartment nearby. One summer was also a for-credit internship. One of my projects was analyzing whether GSK should analyze its data in-house or use a third party; I presented to senior executives why in-house would be more cost-effective and better help the patients, health care professionals, and consumers they serve. They decided to go in-house. Another project helped doctors use customized artificial intelligence to summarize lengthy documents about patients. This experience shaped my perspective on the type of impact I want to make in society and showed me the importance of communicating effectively to a diverse group of people.
- The community at Naz is one of a kind, from the teammates and friendships I created playing soccer to the Center for Life’s Work and the ethical data science faculty. Being a part of the Black Student Union at Naz made my experience extra special. We teach one another to start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable in unique environments, which helps shape us as students and professionals who know about other people’s cultures, to understand one another.
- My favorite activities included soccer — including winning the Empire 8 championship my first year — and so many events on campus: Midnight Breakfast, attending basketball games, the Black Student Union fashion shows, and more.
- For my capstone course, I worked with two small grocery stores to better use their data to improve their businesses. For example, when people want to order an item online but it’s sold out, we worked to automatically recommend alternatives. For the other store, collecting more detailed data can allow them to see trends of what sold best by season. This is making an impact not only for the business but for its customers as well!
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| My internship badge at GlaxoSmithKline |
What are you looking forward to in your life’s work?
As a data scientist, I want to help businesses with their pain points.
What lessons will you take with you from your Nazareth years?
Don’t take everything for granted. Four years went by really quickly. Network; ensure you’re connected with the right people. Stay committed to the work God has for you. That’s my daily motivation.
Who’s had a great impact on you?
There’s so many. Professor Wendy Norris has had the greatest impact on my Naz experience and honestly the whole math department, from the likes of Professor Matt Koetz to Professor Heather Lewis and Professor Cheri Boyd. Math is a big part of data science. Also, Mark Weber was my first advisor and has been a great professor. Jeff Allan taught us about the business of consulting in tech. Josh Bauroth and everyone from the Center for Life’s Work team played a big part in resume building and overall support, ensuring I’m on track. I’m also thankful for my campus jobs and supervisors!
Part of a Class of 2025 profile series
