Tell us about you! Major, year in school, hometown? I am a sophomore double-majoring in economics and statistics/data science, and I am from Somerset, Kentucky.
What led you to UK and, specifically, Gatton College? Growing up in Kentucky, UK was always on my radar, but Gatton ultimately stood out becauseof the flexibility it offered alongside strong academics. I came in interested in business and data, but not locked into a single path, and Gatton provided an environment where I could explore different disciplines while building a solid quantitative foundation.The ability to combine Gatton’s economics with an outside major in statistics/data science, along with access to faculty and applied opportunities, made Gatton the right fit for how I wanted to learn and grow.
What are some highlights of your Gatton experience, so far? One of the biggest highlights of my Gatton experience has been the ability to apply classroom concepts to real projects. Gatton’s emphasis on analytical thinking and applied learning has encouraged me to take what I’m learning beyond the classroom. I currently operate an e-commerce business, where I work hands-on with pricing strategy, inventory decisions, data tracking, A/B testing, and inventory management. I’ve also started a project called “Data in Practice,” where I interview professionals about how they utilize data in their careers. These experiences have helped me directly connect Gatton coursework to how real business and data-driven decisions are made.
What are your professional aspirations and how is Gatton preparing you for that? I’m building toward a career in data-driven roles where technical analysis supports business decision-making. Studying economics alongside statistics and data science has helped me understand both market behavior and the analytical tools used to evaluate it. Gatton has encouraged me to apply these skills early through coursework, projects, and independent work, which has helped me move beyond theory and gain practical experience.
