Meet a Member – Hiba Baroud
Hiba Baroud
executive committee member
How did you get involved with data science?
I’ve always been interested in mathematics, statistics, and risk. That took me from actuarial science to industrial engineering and now civil engineering. The common thread has always been data science where I explored how data improves risk analysis in interdisciplinary fields! After working on specific financial risk problems in actuarial science like forecasting stock price changes, I became interested in addressing large scale challenges. In my Ph.D., I worked on predictive modeling of system-level failure and recovery of maritime navigation at the regional scale. I have since been exploring data science methods to model the performance of interdependent infrastructure systems and improve disaster management at the national and global scales.
When you’re not at the DSI, what can we find you doing?
Traveling and dancing. I love discovering new places, cuisines, and cultures (and I can’t wait to get back to it after the pandemic!). I enjoy all types of dance and wish I had the time to learn them all.
What is a work related accomplishment you’re proud of?
I am proud of my students’ success whether it’s landing their dream job, publishing their research, or winning awards.
Last book you read?
A Man Called Ove
Favorite place to eat in Nashville?
Lyra
If you could travel anywhere (money not a factor), where would you go, and why?
Antarctica. I am curious about the Earth’s most extreme environments and this is one of them (and maybe the most expensive). Also, it’s the most difficult continent to cross off the list!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel. I’d like to sample living in different eras (including the future!)