Astronomers Turned Data Scientists Podcast

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lindner-170a0385/]    Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaskirsh/]    Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdaleo/]  Patrick’s Talk at ATDS 6: https://youtu.be/2j9lVBcBpfY?t=20&si=gkTwR7TP8ZU0NbEL [https://youtu.be/2j9lVBcBpfY?t=20&si=gkTwR7TP8ZU0NbEL]   Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehollek/]  SciPy Conference: https://conference.scipy.org/ [https://conference.scipy.org/]    Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [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: * Eva’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-noyola-743a06178/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-noyola-743a06178/]  Credits * Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] (no relation) * Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [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