Astronomers Turned Data Scientists Podcast

Isaac Shivvers discusses his background in Astronomy, Geology, and Physics, his transition to Data Science, and his experience at various Data Scientist jobs, including the bankruptcy of Airware. He then dives deep into Computer Vision: his experiences, beginner projects, steps to take for those who have Astronomy experience and want to get into a Computer Vision role, and his predictions for the future in Computer Vision.

Links

Isaac’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishivvers/ 

Airware Bankruptcy Article: https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/14/airware-shuts-down/ 

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: Isaac Shivvers

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

We thank the American Astronomical Society for being an official sponsor of the podcast.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

1:14 - Background in Geology, Astronomy, and Physics

4:50 - The Decision to Leave Academia

8:41 - The Decision to Enter Data Science

13:30 - First Data Scientist Job at the Startup Airware

23:44 - Subsequent Data Scientist Jobs and Computer Vision

31:50 - How to Get into Computer Vision

40:29 - Beginner Computer Vision Projects

46:00 - Predictions for the Future in Computer Vision

51:38 - Outro

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

Marcos Huerta discusses his astronomy background, his transitions first to science policy and later to data science, and his current data science job at Carmax. He also talks about data science bootcamps, interviews, work-life balance, and his predictions for the future of data science and LLMs. 

Links

Marcos’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshuerta/ 

Marcos’s Website: https://marcoshuerta.com/about/ 

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: Marcos Huerta

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

We thank the American Astronomical Society for being an official sponsor of the podcast.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

1:07 - Astronomy Background

4:18 - Transition to Science Policy

8:06 - Transition to Data Science

11:40 - Job Changes within Science Policy

15:32 - Data Science Bootcamps and Alternatives

21:55 - Interviewing

26:20 - Data Science at Carmax

33:50 - Day-to-Day and Work-Life Balance

40:26 - Predictions for Data Science and LLMs

47:46 - Final Advice

49:40 - Outro

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

Julia Silge discusses how she got into astronomy, her first non-data science positions after leaving academia, and how she then started blogging about data science and going to conferences, which opened up the door to new opportunities, including open source contributions, writing books, and data science positions. She shares advice for those who are considering making the transition from astronomy to data science. She also talks about the experience of speaking at SciPy 2024 about scientific computing across languages. 

Links:

Julia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasilge/ 

Julia’s blog: https://juliasilge.com/blog/ 

ROpenSci: https://ropensci.org/ 

Her first O’Reilly book: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/text-mining-with/9781491981641/ 

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

Her Talk at SciPy 2024: https://youtu.be/MVuxbtERZMI?si=1pSajS3Y1I5CjjBx 

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: Julia Silge

Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn

We thank the American Astronomical Society for being an official sponsor of the podcast.

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

1:37 - Astronomy Background

7:45 - Careers After Leaving Astronomy

8:49 - Emergence of Data Science

10:36 - UT Austin Astronomy Conducive to Data Science

12:45 - Getting into Data Science

19:13 - First Data Science Job

21:36 - Consulting Roles

25:44 - Writing Books

28:16 - Current Role at Posit PBC

35:51 - Switch from Individual Contributor to Manager

42:50 - Advice for Astronomers Becoming Data Scientists

48:29 - Scientific Computing Across Languages

56:13 - Outro

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

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