MSDS Residential Student Profile: Sunidhi Goyal

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Sunidhi Goyal 

Education 
Master of Science in Data Science, University of Virginia 
Bachelor of Science (Hon.) in Mathematics, University of Delhi 

Hometown 
Dehradun in the Indian state of Uttarakhand

Q: Tell us about your path to data science. 

During the COVID lockdown, I had the opportunity to work with a fellow from the London School of Economics and Political Science and author my book, "Global Exclusions and Deprivations," which talks about multidimensional poverty, and global economic and social inequities that marginalized and vulnerable communities around the world are forced to face. 

While researching for this, I had to play with macro-scale economic data and build predictive models that helped describe the conditions for the continuation of certain economic trends. This was the first time that I realized I could use the power of data to build more accurate and innovative models to help improve the lives of vulnerable communities by subsequently having better policies for them and telling their stories more impactfully. 

Q: What do you hope to do with a data science master's degree? 

I look forward to scrutinizing how existing patterns and biases impact our decision-making processes, at individual and collaborative levels in a diverse range of domains. In consequence, the opportunity to examine the latent factors and inherent assumptions informing this process and the advent of improving the cycle excite me. I aim to become a great problem solver and storyteller and use algorithmic advancement to empower us. 

Q: What has surprised you about the MSDS program so far? 

The MSDS program has professors and students coming from very diverse backgrounds. There is always someone to go talk to for discussing ideas and pondering solutions, and it is so amazing when ideas are encouraged to be brought to life by everyone at the school. 


Q: What has been your favorite class so far and why? 

Exploratory Text Analysis by professor Raf Alvarado has been an incredibly interesting class. Learning the nuances behind language and discourse at a formative level, and then building models that explore what goes behind these inspiring pieces of text, some of which have been a part of my childhood is exciting. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a master’s in data science? 

Preparation and an open mind would be very helpful. This program is a year-long one, and to make the most out of it, being prepared and working on oneself would be helpful. Additionally, since plenty of incredible people and resources are there to support one’s academic endeavor, it would be great if someone’s open to experimenting and trying new and cool things. 

Q: What are some fun facts about yourself? 

I love playing tennis, and I am also a tennis instructor for UVA Rec!