Chris Lindner talks about his Astronomy background, his transition into Data Science, as well as his stint as a professional Poker player. He also discusses how as a graduate student he was involved in starting a study group about entering Data Science, how there is no real method to interviews, how he continues to stay connected to Academia through events like Astronomy on Tap, and what non-technical skills are important for Astronomers looking to become Data Scientists. 

Links:

Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lindner-170a0385/ 

Credits

Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn

Recording: Jeffrey Silverman

Editing: Joseph A’Hearn

ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn

Thumbnail Headshot Image: Chris Lindner

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

0:49 - Astronomy Background

2:09 - Study Group About Entering Data Science

6:29 - Communication Between Industry and Academia

13:05 - Transition into Data Science

19:40 - Diversity of Interviews

23:27 - Networking and Getting Referrals

26:28 - How Data Science Has Changed Over the Years

34:56 - Important Non-Technical Skills

38:20 - Most Recent Positions: Data Science and Professional Poker

43:14 - Relevance of Math for Poker

47:06 - Final Advice for Astronomers Becoming Data Scientists

49:13 - Outro

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Tom Kirsh talks about his astronomy experience during undergrad, learning data science foundations, getting hired as a data scientist, and his next career steps. He also offers advice about how to pitch yourself in interviews and emphasizes the need for data cleaning.

Links:

Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaskirsh/ 

Credits

Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn

Recording: Jeffrey Silverman

Editing: Joseph A’Hearn

ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn

Thumbnail Headshot Image: Tom Kirsh

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

0:58 - Astronomy Background

4:35 - Applying to Grad Schools and Data Science Foundations

10:38 - Search for a Data Science Position

13:38 - Experience in First Data Scientist Position

27:20 - Pitching Astronomy Experience in a Data Science Interview

30:35 - Envisioning Next Career Steps

37:44 - Second Job Search

44:08 - Advice for Transitioning to Data Science This Year

47:50 - Outro

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Patrick Aleo talks about his astronomy background, how he developed his skills for data science over several years of graduate school, his recent transition to data science, and his fresh industry experience. He also offers his advice to academics who are considering making the transition to data science. 

Links:

Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdaleo/ 

Patrick’s Talk at ATDS 6: https://youtu.be/2j9lVBcBpfY?t=20&si=gkTwR7TP8ZU0NbEL

Credits

Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn

Recording: Jeffrey Silverman

Editing: Joseph A’Hearn

ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn

Thumbnail Headshot Image: Patrick Aleo

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

1:04 - Highlight of Recent Transition to Data Science

2:11 - Astronomy and ML Background

9:37 - Transition to Data Science

15:43 - Transferable Skills and Applying for Industry Positions

22:30 - Adapting to his Industry Data Scientist Position

28:40 - Scope of his Current Data Science Work at Honeywell

38:30 - Advice to Academics Considering the Transition

42:11 - Impact of ML on Astronomy Today

46:39 - Advocating for Yourself

49:50 - Outro

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Julie Hollek discusses her Astronomy background, her transition to Data Science, and her experience as an Individual Contributor, Manager, and Director. She also talks about bootcamps, the SciPy conference, and advantages for people coming from Astronomy into Data Science. 

Links:

Julie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehollek/ 

SciPy Conference: https://conference.scipy.org/ 

Credits

Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn

Recording: Jeffrey Silverman

Editing: Joseph A’Hearn

ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn

Thumbnail Headshot Image: Julie Hollek

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

1:34 - Astronomy Background

4:32 - Grad School, Coding Bootcamp, and Transition to Data Science

8:01 - Career Progression in Data Science

13:31 - Transition from Individual Contributor to Manager and Director; Types of Jobs

21:20 - Is a Bootcamp Worth It?; The Value of Networking

26:42 - The Advantage of an Astronomy Background for Data Science

31:05 - Involvement in the SciPy Conference and Community

43:49 - Advice for People Transitioning to Data Science

47:14 - Invitation to the SciPy Conference

48:09 - Outro

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Eva Noyola discusses her Astronomy background, her transition to Data Science, her experience as a Data Analyst and in the public sector, and how Astronomy has prepared us to take on challenges. 

Links:

Credits

Timecodes

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Kevin Moore talks about how he got into Astronomy and transitioned from there to Data Science. He discusses his current job at a startup. He goes into details about programming, interviews, and the role of  LLMs in the future of Data Science. 

Links:

Credits

Timecodes

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Riwaj Pokhrel discusses his recent transition from Astronomy to Data Science, the factors that led to this decision, and his current role as a Data Scientist. He then compares what he expected out of this transition with what his current experience is. He talks about networking and other important transferable skills. He shares how he has regained some of his original love for Astronomy after his transition. Finally, he shares advice for people who are hoping to transition to Data Science.  

Links:

• Riwaj’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riwajpokhrel/ 

Credits

• Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation)

Timecodes

• 0:00 - Intro

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Betsy Barton discusses her career trajectory from Astronomy to Data Science, including time at a hedge fund and as a DS Manager before starting her own company. She goes in depth about AI tools that can be built on LLMs and imagines their intersection with robotics. She shares how she has adapted the vision for her company Infiniscape and their social media app Kyndr. She also converses about the emotional barrier to leaving Academia and Astronomy.

Links:

Credits

Timecodes

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Marcel Haas discusses what led him into Astronomy, why and how he transitioned to Data Science, his experience in various Data Science positions, and his current role teaching Data Science. He also talks about differences in the field between Europe and North America, transferable skills, and craft beer. 

Links:

Credits

Timecodes

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

Genevieve Graves discusses her transition from Astronomy to Data Science, sharing her experience with startups and with consulting. She speaks about how to figure out what you want to do and how venture capital firms determine what sort of projects to fund. She also shares her thoughts about the future in the field, why astronomers make good data scientists, and how she discovered work-life balance during Covid.  

Links:

Credits

Timecodes

#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data