Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
As an International student, I chose IU Indianapolis for its MS in Applied Data Science due to its real-world focus, cutting-edge and career-driven curriculum, experienced faculty, and collaborative environment, all of which provide an ideal foundation for advancing my career in data science.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
My favorite academic accomplishment has been leading the Data Science team at COMET Lab at IU Indianapolis. I organized a data visualization competition with Prof. Robert Skipworth Comer, enhancing The Polis Center projects with customer-centric outputs. I guided my team to improve their visualization strategies and develop effective data-driven dashboards. Additionally, I represented our team at the Datathon 2024 hackathon at IU Indianapolis, where we created a deep learning model that distinguished between artificially generated and human-generated text. This project won the Best Deep Learning Award, showcasing our innovative approach to real-world data science challenges.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
Being in Indianapolis, one of the best experiences I had was witnessing the 2024 solar eclipse. It was an unforgettable moment. Moreover, Indianapolis feels like home to me, offering the perfect blend of tranquility and the vibrancy of a major metropolis. I love exploring the diverse museums throughout the city and state, which enrich my understanding of life in Indy. Visiting the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also known as the Brickyard, was truly amazing. I’m also looking forward to Taylor Swift's concert in November 2024 in Indianapolis. The city's unique mix of cultural attractions and peaceful atmosphere, along with running along the Canal Walk in the mornings and evenings, makes living here a delightful experience.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
As a graduate student at IU Indianapolis, I have had the privilege to engage in several impactful activities. One of the key highlights was during my Database Designing course. I excelled in the subject and impressed my professor, Brendan Oliver Bow, who introduced me to Professors William Helling, Mark Andrew Abraham, and Catherine H. Walsh. This led to an opportunity to teach the undergraduate database designing class every semester since Spring 2023. In this role, I not only taught students but also enhanced the course materials to reflect current SQL coding methods. This experience has been invaluable, allowing me to hone my teaching skills and mentor students to showcase their work during the university's capstone week./
Additionally, our course director, Ms. Elizabeth Cassell, introduced me to Brightlane Learning NGO, where I have been volunteering as an instructor for Mathematics and English for homeless elementary-level kids at two schools in the Indianapolis Public School system (IPS). This has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to support children in need, inspire young minds, and make a positive impact in the community. The joy and gratitude from these children have been truly heartwarming and motivating.
These experiences have significantly enriched my time at IU Indianapolis, providing me with opportunities to apply my skills, engage with the community, and contribute to meaningful projects.