Hi there, I’m Alina!

I am an aspiring data scientist and digital artist located in Tampa, FL, with a passion for new and emerging technologies. My background consists of a unique blend of analytical and creative skills that inform and fuel my love for data coding, analysis, and visualization. While my academic track has been anything but linear, it has instilled in me a deep-seated curiosity for how people interact with information, whether through labels in an art museum, dashboards in a business meeting, or creative projects that inspire people for years to come.

My primary areas of interest include Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning, Data Analysis and Visualization, Information Ethics, and Epistemology and Ways of Knowing. My journey into the world of data began with my BA in Museum Studies, where, in my senior year, I developed a forensic handwriting database to support an ongoing investigation of the suspicious provenance of a suspected Picasso in my gallery’s possession, ultimately concluding that painting was indeed a forgery. That research not only sparked my passion for information and information management but also showed me how much I enjoyed the meticulous process of analyzing and organizing data to uncover truths. This realization ultimately led me to return to school to pursue my BS in Information Science, where I could further explore the dynamic relationship between data, technology, and human behavior.

Throughout my BS in Information Science, I have taken many courses that have influenced my understanding of information systems and data science. However, the two courses that fundamentally shaped my outlook and approach to data science were Information Behaviors and Data/Text Mining, where I was introduced to the complex relationship between people and information, as well as the hidden patterns in data waiting to be uncovered. Additionally, my courses in Information Policy/Ethics and Data Visualization have enhanced my ability to communicate and handle complex information in a way that is both accessible and ethically responsible.

It is through these courses that I have acquired an array of skills and certificates that support my data science work. Many of my courses utilized Datacamp, an online coding education platform that allowed me to explore complex topics in R, Python, and SQL, as well as AI and Machine Learning concepts. Because of this, I have become proficient in using many R and Python packages, such as Tidyverse, NumPy, and Pandas. I have also learned how to use other Data collection, management, and visualization tools, such as Brandwatch, Postgres SQL, and Tableau. Regarding Machine learning, I have completed projects utilizing sentiment analysis, topic modeling (LDA / BERT), and association rules, which I have applied to analyze data from social media, market, and scientific sources.

In terms of professional experience, I currently work as a Research Assistant and Machine Learning Lab Technician at USF’s Big Data Analytics Lab, where I support multiple professors in developing machine learning solutions for a wide range of problems across diverse domains, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world application. Additionally, I own and manage a small LLC that allows me to vend and sell my art at pop culture conventions, which has required me to gain extensive experience in inventory management, accounting, and market trend analysis. I have also worked in a variety of smaller positions across a wide range of industries, including a Gallery Assistant for the University of Tampa’s Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, a Lighting, Set, and Stage Technician for Tampa’s Falk Theatre, a Student Coordinator for the University of Tampa’s Campus Security, a Cashier for a small chocolatier, and strangely enough, a Raptor Handler and Park Guide for the George C. McGough Nature Park. These diverse roles have taught me the importance of adaptability, effective communication, and project management in both team and individual settings.

I invite you to explore my portfolio to see more of my work, such as my coding projects, data visualizations, research papers, and other creative endeavors. Through my portfolio, I hope you can gain ample insights into how I approach data-driven problems and combine my creative and analytical background to create actionable solutions.