Who Is Aushanae?

Pictured: Aushanae standing behind a table that says "SDSCC Statistical Coalition Of Color" in a lawn at Smith College.

I am a data scientist motivated by creating social impact and providing a new perspective to creativity through technological expertise. My work largely focuses on applying interdisciplinary approaches to address complex problems.

Currently, I am a GEM Fellow of The National GEM Consortium, preparing to graduate in December 2024 with an M.S. in Data Science from Rice University. As a GEM Fellow, I work at Johnson & Johnson as a Cybersecuirty Data Analyst, where I carefully craft interactive experiences to derive insights for data while leveraging open-source resources to tackle NLP challenges.

Prior to my MS in Data Science, I completed a BA double majoring in Psychology and Statistical & Data Sciences from Smith College. It was here where I discovered, fell in love and devoted myself to the field of Data Science and all it has to offer. Pictured to the right, is a valued memory of mine, representing the Statistical & Data Sciences Coalition of Color at Smith College as the Chair of the organization. If you have time, please feel free to read more about my dedication to social impact through Data Science .

Pictured: Aushanae standing next to a glass door and pointing to the letters "JLL" on the door.

What Does Aushanae’s Data Science Journey Entail?

Since discovering the potential of Data Science at Smith College, I’ve immersed myself in a variety of coursework, projects, opportunities to contribute to the field.

My education from Smith was intentionally unique, pursued with the intention of merging my naturally analytical mind with my passion for creating a better world. I worked on interdisiciplinary projects, tackling issues such as human rights by using ML to predict access to emergency funds in sub-saharan countries, as well as developing the CRAN package 'IPEDS' to enhance accessibility in selecting higher education institutions. In my spare time, I served as a tutor in the Statistical & Data Sciences department and as previously mentioned, the Chair of the Statistical & Data Sciences Coalition of Color.

Taking my undergraduate education to the workforce, I found opportunities to explore a range of data science applications. Pictured to the left is my very first summer data analytics internship at JLL where I took the role of Healthcare Data Analyst in the Real Estate industry, soon after, I served as a Data Science Intern in the Information Services industry at Compartive Agility.

Now, as a GEM Fellow, I juggle multiple roles to supplement my education at Rice. Alongside my work at Johnson & Johnson, I’ve recently joined Politics On The Go (POGO) where we are providing voter-friendly tools that enable voters to create a plan, learn about aligned candidates, and take action. Super excited to see where this endeavor takes me!

  • Throughout my coursework, I've been grateful to develop expertise in a variety of data science branches.

    At Smith College, I developed a foundational understanding of:

    • Statistics, including bayesian methods, regression modeling, and experimental design.

    • Data Science, including advanced programming in R, data visualization, and machine learning.

    At Rice University, I honed and refined my skills, taking courses in:

    • Data Science, including Machine Learning, Probability & Statistics, Natural Lanuguage Processing, Data Visualization.

    • Business, including Data-Driven Marketing, and Operations Management.

    • Cybersecurity

  • I'm currently searching for a position that will allow me to continue leveraging my interdisciplinary skills to drive meangingful change. I aim to work with an organization that aligns with my passion for using data-driven solutions to address societal challenges and foster innovation in a way that benefits communities and promotes equitable outcomes.

  • Thanks for your interest in what I hold dear!

    I have a keen interest in studying astrology, which I find fascinating, even as many view it as a pseudoscience. It offers me unique insights into human behavior and perspectives, sort of like psychology! I also love rollerskating; It's such a fun way to excerise and if you're good enough you can even dance on them! In my small little pockets of free time, I'm an avid gamer, a foodie, and a DIYer. I am also the Propietor of The TravelHack Hub, my small business in the education finance industry :)