Please join us in congratulating Julia Wood, a Statistics & Digital Humanities undergraduate student who recently transitioned into her new role as the Data Infrastructure Assistant within UCLA Library's Data Science Center.

What goals/hopes do you have for this year as the Data Infrastructure Assistant?

In this new role, I am looking forward to developing as a confident data scientist in such a way that I can clearly explain my projects and findings to anyone, regardless of their previous knowledge. One thing that made me so eager to join the Data Science Center was the opportunity to teach workshops to the UCLA community. It is my goal that these workshops will not only create avenues for other students to expand their 'data science toolkits,' but that they will also help me grow as a communicator and teacher.

This quarter, I will be putting on my first workshop in collaboration with DataFest! This workshop is designed to give students an introduction to data visulization in Tableau.

How has your prior experience prepared you for this role at the UCLA Library?

Prior to working within the Data Science Center, I was a Lead at CLICC where my primary responsibilities were data cleaning and data analysis. In this role, I looked at how the UCLA community utilized CLICC's lending services by conduction exploratory data analysis in Python and creating visualizations in Tableau. These projects strengthened my programming and analytical skills which will greatly benefit me in my new role as the Data Infrastructure Assistant.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

Recently, I watched 'My Octopus Teacher' which is an amazing documentary that takes you into the life of an octopus through the lens of a South African free diver. I highly recommend it!

What are your hobbies?

In my free time, I love to bike, hike, and hammock! However, I recently injured my knee, so I've taken up crochet in the past couple weeks. So far, I've made a market bag, and I am working on a top.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have the cutest pug in the world. Her name is Java, and I am currently crocheting her a sweater. 

What’s your favorite food?

Ramen is my favorite meal. Takis are my favorite snack. Last but not least, Ben & Jerry's Netflix & Chill Non-Dairy ice cream is my favorite dessert!

What are your pronouns?

She/Her/Hers

We are delighted to have Julia at UCLA Library's Data Science Center. To get in contact with her, email juliawood1@g.ucla.edu.