Sarah Yang Email & Phone Number

As a former educator turned aspiring data scientist, I am enthusiastic about and experienced in tackling complex problems using data to drive solutions. I am grateful and delighted to be strengthening and appending my data science toolkit while earning an MS at the Institute of Advanced Analytics. I’ve immersed myself in learning and applying technical skills such as using statistical methodologies, R, and Python to analyze complex data sets, build meaningful models, and provide valuable insights.Before starting my journey as a graduate student, I spent two years standing on the other side of the school desk, as a seventh-grade math teacher. Through teaching, I refined my communication, organization, and presentation skills. I also actively sought ways to utilize data in order to optimize my impact on my students. In light of COVID-19, virtual learning, and the subsequent learning loss that students experienced, I gathered and analyzed diagnostic data to identify learning gaps and strategically closed them. I created and analyzed daily mini-assessments to gain insight into the efficacy of my lessons, evaluating whether students seemed to understand a concept or if they needed more time, practice, or perhaps even a different approach to solving a problem. Using data-driven instruction allowed me to actively monitor student progress and calibrate my lessons according to their needs. As data has helped me make informed decisions in my life, I wish to use data science to help others do the same. The quantitative and technical skills I’m learning at the IAA complement the communication, organization, and leadership skills I’ve developed as a former teacher, and continue to strengthen at the IAA. With this combination of skills, I hope to become a data scientist who can translate data into accurate, accessible information that empowers others with knowledge and insight to guide their strategies and decisions. Outside of school, I enjoy going to Costco, watching reruns of Dance Moms, and spoiling my pet hamster, Grapes. Like most other hamsters, she is nocturnal, which makes her the perfect companion for a master’s student who is up late studying!