CSpotlight: Shaping the World of Data Science and Healthcare

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in data science specifically at the University of Minnesota?

Coming to college, I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew I was interested in STEM. In my senior year of high school, I took AP Statistics and enjoyed the analytical aspects of the class. Someone recommended data science and I decided to try it. I stayed with it because I loved how it combines technical skills with real-world problem-solving and allows for meaningful applications across many disciplines.

I chose to come to the University of Minnesota because of its strong science and engineering programs and the range of opportunities to get involved with. Growing up in Minnesota and attending Gopher gymnastics meets, UMN always felt like somewhere I could see myself going to. I also love living in the city and being so close to everything.

How did you become interested in data science? What are your specific interests within the field?

I knew data science was something I was interested in after my first semester at UMN. I saw how data-driven methods could be used to solve real-world problems and knew it was a good fit for me. As for public health, I took an honors seminar freshman year of college focused on infectious disease control called “Battling the Bugs” and I really enjoyed that. I found out there was a public health minor at the university and I decided to declare. Ideally, in my future career, I would love to use data to make meaningful decisions in a healthcare setting through combining data science and public health.

Tell us more about your internship experiences.

I accepted an offer for an internship with Beckman Coulter, a medical diagnostics testing company, for Summer 2026 as a Supply Chain Innovation Intern within the Operations & Enterprise Information Services team. I will work on designing and prototyping an artificial intelligence-powered tool or dashboard to detect and highlight critical risks within their supply chain processes. I'm excited to work at the intersection of data science and public health.

Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved? 

I am the volunteer coordinator for Code the Gap. The goal of the club is to teach Python and other computer science topics to students from historically underrepresented schools or those with limited access to computer science education. I joined the club because I lacked support in STEM fields growing up, specifically computer science. I didn’t have much access to it in school and I would love to give other students the chance to explore these topics. I am also co-president of Generative AI Club, which focuses on what goes on behind generative AI and how it is growing. 

Congratulations on your CS&E Scholarship! How will this scholarship impact your academic and extracurricular work?

This scholarship will significantly help me explore other opportunities, instead of working. This semester I have taken on research and have been more involved in Code the Gap and Generative AI Club. It helps me do all the things I am interested in outside of class, because I don’t have to worry as much about the financial burden of college. 

Have you been involved with any research on campus?

I am an undergraduate research assistant for two professors at the Carlson School of Management. They are using a panel study of income dynamics data and examining how major income changes to one spouse impacts household labor decisions in dual career households. I have worked a lot with cleaning data and basic analyses. We are now working on using causal inference models to answer the research question. I've loved having the chance to apply the concepts I'm learning in class to real-world questions and I'm excited to learn more as we continue working with the data. 

What advice do you have for incoming data science students?

It’s hard work, but it’s fun. Make sure to not only focus on academics, but also take advantage of all the opportunities around you. Get involved, do research if you’re interested, and make time for the things you enjoy. I stay involved with gymnastics, continue to play the clarinet, spend time with friends and stay active. I believe there are skills from all these other opportunities that can transfer into school and data science. Definitely do what you are passionate about alongside school.

What are your plans after graduation?

I haven't completely decided yet. I am considering graduate school, but also may go straight into industry. Either way, I hope to eventually find a career that combines data science and public health.