In this episode, Mary Krone explores her career shift from a PhD in chemistry and biochemistry to data science, where she builds financial credit models. She highlights her work’s tangible impact and discusses the challenges of work-life balance.

Mary’s passion for data science’s positive potential in finance shines through as she debunks misconceptions, talks about career paths, and dives into the evolving world of data science and generative AI.

The episode also includes topics of the need for continuous learning and the blend of art and science in data science. 

Highlights: 

• Mary’s transition from doing theoretical work to work in the real world (00:34)
• It takes a “village” to be successful (10:06)
• Managing a team of data scientists and why she describes herself as “leading teams who use data science for good” (21:01)
• Mary’s views and optimism about the data science field (33:25)
• Women’s roles in the future of data science (45:07)

Mentions:

Connect with Mary Krone on LinkedIn

Bios:

Mary Krone believes in using data science for good––to make meaningful and positive impact. Currently, she leads a data science team at Credit Karma, a personal finance company. Previously, Mary held various leadership roles in both technical and management tracks at FICO. Mary holds a PhD in Chemistry & Biochemistry from UC Santa Barbara and a BA in Chemistry and Secondary Education from Vassar College.

New co-host and the WiDS Chief of Programs, Chisoo Lyons spent years in consulting services, working with clients including leading banks and financial services organizations worldwide. She held several leadership positions in consulting, research, solution development, and business-line management. She kick-started her career as a data analyst at FICO. Today, at WiDS, she remains dedicated to supporting and empowering women in data science.

Learn more from data science leaders like Mary on Data Science Leadership: Creating Meaningful Impact.

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Chisoo Lyons on LinkedIn

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