Student Spotlight – Teddy Weaver
How did you become interested in Data Science?
I spent six years in very data-centric but largely non-technical roles as a project manager and analyst in San Francisco. When I was a consultant I was fortunate to have opportunities to learn and apply self-taught programming (e.g. SQL, Python, JavaScript) and quickly fell in love with the hands-on, creative problem solving. Data Science appealed to me as it merges this world with business and providing value.
Why did you choose Vanderbilt’s DS MS program?
Professional development – this meant a full-time, applied program that really emphasized real-world problem solving. Having graduated from Vanderbilt in 2013, I was familiar with its high caliber of academics and expectations of students. It didn’t hurt that I met my wife at Vanderbilt as an undergrad and we happen to love Nashville (we got married here in October last year). Vanderbilt’s program was a perfect fit, and it truly felt like coming home.
What is your best advice for an incoming student?
1. Data Science is a huge field. Think about what area you might want to specialize in (Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Engineering, etc.) and where you might want to work (research, industry).
2. When you’re working on a project or a model, take time to explore the data, understand what the features mean, data reliability etc. This will not only be a guide for feature development but also what type of model(s) to try out.
3. It’s important to understand your results and be able to communicate how they should be used and interpreted. Ultimately you are responsible for your work and now more than ever we need to critically think about ethical implications any modeling bias or misuse.
What are your internship plans for the summer?
This summer I am working at HCA in their Clinical Operations Group as a Data Science Intern. Right now, I am focusing on building tools and processes to monitor some of their models that deliver predictions or insights to improve the quality and efficiency of their healthcare. In the COVID world is has been really interesting to see how leadership has used predictive models and reports from the data science teams to help guide decision making. I’m most excited about getting experience working at an enterprise scale. It is a lot different than working locally on your computer. The team has been amazing and I’m really looking forward to learning as much as I can.
How are you adapting to the new virtual learning/work lifestyle?
Netflix has been a lifesaver but we’ve been finding ways to take a short break during the day or after work. I’ve started playing tennis again recently and our dog has never had this many walks and couldn’t be happier.
Favorite place to eat in Nashville?
I’m definitely a little biased towards Germantown, so Jack Browns and Von Elrod’s. Pho T&N has the best pho in Nashville.