Despite initially being unfamiliar with the field, Adam’s curiosity about understanding the implications data can have on the world drove him to pursue studies in data science.

“I had never really done any coding, or taken any statistics, it was all quite new and challenging for me to start from nothing. But what I was mostly interested in was how we can better understand data and use it to inform our understanding of the world a little better. What I've begun to learn is that data science is very much a gateway into a complex world of patterns and behaviours.”

When asked about his passion for data science, Adam emphasises his desire to make a difference in the world and an appreciation for the collaborative nature of the field.

“I like being useful. Understanding data can help all types of research and inquiry out there and is relevant to all the questions we can ask about the world. I love collaboration, and I love the idea that maybe when I leave here, I'll get to work on some neat projects with some neat people who are interested in neat things.”

Adam reflects fondly on his time at the University.

“I think one of my favourite things, even amongst all the things I love about the city in general, is being in the library on a very quiet day, like a weekend or public holiday. Being surrounded by people dedicated to working hard, with a backdrop of a gorgeous city—it's just so peaceful to me.”

Adam has seized various opportunities that came his way while he was studying.

“I've been really lucky here. I was awarded a summer scholarship and got to work on some dynamic stuff that I'm still getting my head around. I've been asked to tutor a few classes, and individuals, and that's been really rewarding because I do love helping students and instructing. Every so often I get asked to do stuff like this, and it's actually quite nice to be available to speak to others about what I'm doing.”

Data Science is a tool that helps these people make more accurate, efficient, and socially-responsible change for the better of communities. It’s powerful because its solutions to real-world problems are driven by people.

I studied Data Science because I had reservations about the world of increasingly intelligent technology. How can we use technological advancements to create good?

Studying Data Science at the University gives you everything you need in your toolkit before going out and solving real problems.

You'll know how to optimise machine learning models while equally understanding the role Te Tiriti has to play as a Data Scientist in Aotearoa.

You'll meet passionate lecturers who challenge and support you, and want to see you achieve.

I chose Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington because it is a university that carves out space for, and celebrates, diversity—of thought, of culture, of identity.

As an institution it is not afraid to challenge the mainstream and empower students to bring their own perspective to work, no matter what they are studying.

I’ve had amazing opportunities at the University to start working for a Data Science and analytics firm, Nicholson Consulting, while studying my undergraduate degree, before transitioning to full-time work.

Here I learnt more about Māori and indigenous data sovereignty, and was able to see the implications of this with each dataset I analysed at University.

After nearly 4 years at Nicholson Consulting, I will start a new role as Data Lead for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, where I will continue to take my data science toolkit gained from University to make a positive difference for people, both in Aotearoa and across the globe.