Nya Feinstein

• Majors: Data Science, International Studies, Russian Studies
• Minors & Certificates: French, Global Competency (Certificate)
• Plans after graduation: I am in the midst of applying for doctoral programs to continue my study of data science
• Internship experiences to date: Research internship at the Krzysztof Liedel Terrorism Research Center in Warsaw, Poland; Summer Fellow at Echelon Insights in Alexandria, Virginia

What are your favorite things about being in the Data Science Major?

Quite literally everything! Among many, some of my favorite aspects are the project-based experiential learning, research opportunities, and engaging professors. Studying data science has enabled me to find and pursue my passion

What is the most interesting thing about your major?

Data is all around us. I firmly believe that there does not exist a field which would not benefit from data-driven analysis, modeling, visualization, and so on. Data science is a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary field that highlights critical thinking skills, context from the problem at hand, applied mathematical and statistical knowledge, and -- above all -- a zest for curiosity and creativity. Data science students represent a diverse range of areas of emphasis, enabling us to bring a variety of perspectives to the table in pursuit of a common goal: Solving complex problems with innovative solutions. 

Why did you want to pursue this major?

I stand by the assertion that the world is best understood through quantitative analysis rooted in context. Data holds the answers to the world's most pressing problems, extracted through thorough analysis. When an answer or explanation is unclear, an even more important byproduct of this analysis rises to the surface: Further questions! The interdisciplinary nature of data science resonates with me, especially in complex and heavily nuanced topics such as language and international relations. 

How have your professors and/or staff helped you be successful?

Professors and staff take the time to get to know students, encourage active participation and curiosity, and prepare us for our future beyond the undergraduate level. The department is supportive, dedicated, and invested in student success. 

What skills and/or knowledge have you gained that you feel will help you be successful in your future career?

Through coursework, projects, and research opportunities, the data science program has more than prepared me for graduate school, as well as given me experience transferable to internships. Further, my undergraduate experience has enabled me to specialize in my passion, natural language processing, while gaining holistic knowledge in all facets of data science. 

What are your career goals?

Upon graduation, I plan to pursue my doctoral degree and continue research. Eventually, when I complete my degree, I hope to work in academia, research-based positions, or anything that enables me to continue the perpetual process of learning, research, and exposure to new ideas. 

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

It is impossible to choose a favorite class! If placed under pressure, I think that DSCI 310 / 311 (Statistical Machine Learning I/II) have been highly interesting and influential. However, part of the beauty of data science is seeing how everything connects! 

Ask about the most interesting/mind blowing thing they have learned so far that is related to their major. 

Several things I have learned have completely changed my worldview. Learning how machine learning models work and discussing their place in the world has been mind blowing, combining statistics, mathematics, context, ethics, and even elements of psychology. In fact, I would argue that all models and concepts inspire unexpected philosophical questions that enrich students as budding data scientists and critically-thinking citizens of the world.