Astronomers Turned Data Scientists Podcast

14. Marcos Huerta

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

13. Julia Silge

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
 

12. Chris Lindner

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

11. Tom Kirsh

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

10. Patrick Aleo

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
 

9. Julie Hollek

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
 

8. Eva Noyola

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:
Eva’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-noyola-743a06178/ 
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: Eva Noyola
Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - Astronomy Background
5:16 - Transition to Data Science
8:18 - Austin As a Data Science Hub
10:42 - Applying for Jobs and Interviewing
15:39 - Experience As a Data Analyst
18:35 - The Title of Data Analyst vs Data Scientist
22:45 - Favorite Type of Project
25:00 - Being a Data Pioneer in a Company or Organization
29:12 - Benefits of Participating in ATDS Meetings
31:49 - Advice for Job Seekers
38:55 - Pleasant Surprises About Working in Industry 
41:18 - Future Aspirations; Working in the Public Sector
47:19 - Final Advice; How Astronomy Trains Us
49:55 - Outro
#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

7. Kevin Moore

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:
Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmoore13/ 
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: Kevin Moore
Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Astronomy Background
2:40 - Transition to Data Science
4:52 - First Data Science Job
7:15 - Scala and Python
9:40 - Programming, Computational Astrophysics, and Tools to Get a Data Science Job
16:09 - Favorite Projects Venturing into the Unknown
17:26 - Joining a Startup As a Data Scientist
23:03 - Interviewing Data Scientist Candidates
39:17 - Future of NLP and LLMs
48:33 - Outro
#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

6. Riwaj Pokhrel

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/ 
ADP List: https://adplist.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: Riwaj Pokhrel
Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - Astronomy Background
6:10 - Transition to Data Science
16:28 - Current Data Scientist Role
23:56 - Expectations vs. Reality about the Transition
28:00 - Technical and Transferable Skills
40:50 - Sharing the Love of Astronomy as a Data Scientist
45:32 - Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Experience
49:00 - Final Thoughts about the Future of Data Science
56:40 - Outro
#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

5. Betsy Barton

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:
Betsy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-barton/ 
Renaissance Technologies: https://www.rentec.com/Home.action?index=true 
Kyndr: https://kyndr.com/ 
Executive Coach: https://www.danamahina.com/ 
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: Betsy Barton
Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Astronomy Background
1:46 - Post-Astronomy Trajectory
4:13 - Hedge Fund (Renaissance Technologies)
8:30 - Transition to Data Science Manager (Walmart)
9:36 - Working with an Executive Coach
13:38 - Starting a Company (Infiniscape)
16:15 - Discerning the Type of Company to Work for
17:53 - More About Infiniscape and AI Tools
30:07 - Advice for Interviewing for Data Science Roles
34:10 - Infiniscape Projects and the Kyndr Social Media App
41:45 - Emotional Barrier to Leaving Academia and Astronomy
48:54 - Outro
#Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data