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The USF Data Science Podcast

The USF Data Science Podcast

By Robert Clements

Faculty from the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program at the University of San Francisco (USF) discuss important topics in AI, DS, and ML with data science practitioners, educators, and leaders. Hear stories and advice about getting into the field of DS and navigating the complex landscape of data-related roles, tools, and technologies.

Hosted by Robert Clements (Assistant Professor at USF) and Cody Carroll (Assistant Professor at USF)
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Topological Deep Learning and Generative AI with Mustafa Hajij

The USF Data Science PodcastFeb 21, 2024

00:00
31:30
Topological Deep Learning and Generative AI with Mustafa Hajij

Topological Deep Learning and Generative AI with Mustafa Hajij

In this episode, MSDS faculty Mustafa Hajij gives a beginner-friendly introduction to topological deep learning. We discuss the foundations and some applications of his research, including graphs, social media networks, and chemical interactions of drugs. He also shares his take on some new developments in Generative AI and discusses how he incorporates emerging topics in deep learning into the classes he teaches at USF.

Feb 21, 202431:30
 A Conversation with a USF Data Science Undergraduate with Hadley Dixon

A Conversation with a USF Data Science Undergraduate with Hadley Dixon

In this episode we chat with Hadley Dixon, a student in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science program at the University of San Francisco. She tells us about how she made the decision to major in Data Science after taking a data ethics class and we discuss dealing with imposter syndrome as both students and experts of data science. We also give her a pop quiz about SQL, EDA, and Deep Learning.

Feb 08, 202436:56
Beyond The Campus Gates: The Journey of a Data Science Grad with Matt Wheeler

Beyond The Campus Gates: The Journey of a Data Science Grad with Matt Wheeler

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Wheeler, who works as a Data Engineer at PG&E and is an alumnus of the MS in Data Science program at the University of San Francisco. Matt talks about his move from the UK to the US and the process of integrating into the American Data Science industry. He shares his insights on the dynamic field of Data Engineering and gives us a peek into USF's Data Engineering program. Reflecting on the importance of practicums, Matt highlights how these applied experiences are crucial in shaping a successful career in Data Science and Data Engineering. This episode offers a blend of personal stories and professional insights, providing a unique window into the evolving world of Data Science.

Jan 09, 202440:49
Self-Supervised Learning in Data Science with Yannet Interian

Self-Supervised Learning in Data Science with Yannet Interian

In this episode, we chat with Yannet Interian, an Associate Professor of Data Science at University of San Francisco. Yannet reflects on her academic and professional odyssey from Mathematics to Data Science, a journey which takes her from Cuba through Europe and eventually to the Bay Area. We also discuss the value of mentoring and teaching young data scientists and how to best guide students to success in their careers.

Nov 27, 202332:30
Microplastics in Focus: Navigating Data Science in Government with Scott Coffin

Microplastics in Focus: Navigating Data Science in Government with Scott Coffin

In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Scott Coffin, who shares his extensive experience in Data Science at the California State Water Resources Control Board. During our discussion, we discuss data science in the context of microplastics and their far-reaching impacts on aquatic organisms and human health. Scott also shares strategies and opportunities for aspiring Data Scientists looking to build a rewarding career in the government sector.

Oct 05, 202355:58
2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series IV: Patricia Ornelas Jauregui and Ben Chen

2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series IV: Patricia Ornelas Jauregui and Ben Chen

In this episode we talk to two of our graduating MSDS students, Patricia and Ben, about tracking fitness workouts and researching neural network training strategies as part of their MSDS Practicum projects, and dealing with imposter syndrome and other challenges when moving to SF and completing a one-year intensive data science program.


Hosts: Cody Carroll and Robert Clements
Guests: Patricia Ornelas Jauregui and Ben Chen
Editing: Cody Carroll
Mixing: Joshua Lehrer

Jul 15, 202333:49
2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series III: Xinyi (Jessica) Wang and Xin Ai

2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series III: Xinyi (Jessica) Wang and Xin Ai

In this episode we talk to two of our graduating MSDS students, Jessica and Xin, about identifying tweets about California Black Bears and monitoring "AirBnBs" for birds in California that are used for bird migration as part of their MSDS Practicum projects, and getting through an intensive one-year MS program while parenting kids.


Special thanks to Joshua Lehrer for editing this episode.

Jun 28, 202332:35
2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series II: Rushil Manglik and Guru Gopalakrishnan

2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series II: Rushil Manglik and Guru Gopalakrishnan

In this episode we talk to two of our graduating MSDS students, Rushil and Guru, about their experiences in the MSDS program, living in the SF Bay Area, exploring the city in autonomous cars, and the best Indian food in SF.

Jun 09, 202351:40
2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series I: Chenxi Li and Kayhan Kyle Eryilmaz

2022-2023 MSDS Cohort Series I: Chenxi Li and Kayhan Kyle Eryilmaz

In this episode we talk to two of our graduating MSDS students, Chenxi and Kyle, about their experiences in the MSDS program, their Practicums in Agriculture and Risk Intelligence, moving to SF, and building an app for summarizing restaurant opinions in the Entrepreneurship course.

Jun 03, 202337:09
Cody talks about teaching advanced ML and Organic Melodic cuts that slap

Cody talks about teaching advanced ML and Organic Melodic cuts that slap

Cody Carroll is an Assistant Professor in the MSDS program at USF, and talks about his background, his teaching, and his time-warping research. He's also a DJ and the songs you hear in this episode were chosen by him, and they are (in this order): Sunseeker by Zuma Dionys; Epic Resurrection by Space Motion; and This Time Baby by Jackie Moore.



Mar 23, 202323:41
Data Science meets Media Studies

Data Science meets Media Studies

Paul Kim talks about his journey studying Film, TV, Media Studies, and Data Science, and how these topics will forever be interrelated.


Learn more about the MSDS program at the Data Institute here:

MSDS: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/graduate/data-science

MSDS: https://twitter.com/usfca_msds

Data Institute: https://twitter.com/DataInstituteSF

Data Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-institute-university-of-san-francisco/

Mar 15, 202316:43
Data Science Job Search as a Fresh Graduate

Data Science Job Search as a Fresh Graduate

Recent MSDS graduate Kooha Kwon talks about his favorite part of the MSDS program at the University of San Francisco as well as his job search process, successes, and failures since graduating.

Jan 27, 202336:31
The Data Viz landscape as viewed by Zan Armstrong

The Data Viz landscape as viewed by Zan Armstrong

Zan Armstrong talks about how she became a data viz professional, what makes a good visualization, and surveys the job landscape for those looking to get into the field.


Learn more about the MSDS program at the Data Institute here:

MSDS: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/graduate/data-science

MSDS: https://twitter.com/usfca_msds

Data Institute: https://twitter.com/DataInstituteSF

Data Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-institute-university-of-san-francisco/

Jan 09, 202335:03
Here's How to Get a Job on Burak's Data Science Team

Here's How to Get a Job on Burak's Data Science Team

Burak Himmetoglu describes his approach to screening data scientist candidates for his team, and talks about the different skillsets he looks for, what he can live without, and how to deal with an unprofessional interviewer.


Learn more about the MSDS program at the Data Institute here:

MSDS: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/graduate/data-science

MSDS: https://twitter.com/usfca_msds

Data Institute: https://twitter.com/DataInstituteSF

Data Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-institute-university-of-san-francisco/


Oct 18, 202220:56
Teaching in the MSDS Program at USF

Teaching in the MSDS Program at USF

Shan Wang talks about why she chose to join the Faculty at USF, and the approach she takes to teaching graduate students in the MSDS program at USF.


Learn more about the MSDS program at the Data Institute here:

MSDS: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/graduate/data-science

MSDS: https://twitter.com/usfca_msds

Data Institute: https://twitter.com/DataInstituteSF

Data Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-institute-university-of-san-francisco/


Oct 17, 202236:57
Sage Data Science Advice from Chayan Chakrabarti

Sage Data Science Advice from Chayan Chakrabarti

We talk to Chayan Chakrabarti about his data science journey, his role at Atlassian as a Machine Learning Scientist, how he keeps up with the non-stop changing field of AI, and his thoughts on what makes a "good" data science practitioner.


Learn more about the MSDS program at the Data Institute here:

MSDS: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/graduate/data-science

MSDS: https://twitter.com/usfca_msds

Data Institute: https://twitter.com/DataInstituteSF

Data Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-institute-university-of-san-francisco/


Oct 17, 202250:08