This week’s Student Spotlight is Jack Hanowski, a CECS Student Assistant, majoring in Data Science. Continue reading to learn more about Jack and his time at CECS.

What brought you to CECS?
I decided to come to CECS because I was interested in a Data Science undergraduate degree. I felt CECS had initiatives which I agreed with and saw faculty prioritizing innovation and long-term progress. This along with the funding and interest being poured into the college captured my attention.
Why did you choose your major?
When applying to universities my senior year, I originally applied to most colleges as a Statistics major. I enjoyed stats but was drawn to fields with more real-world application compared to a purely theoretical focus. I was super interested in Bayesian Statistics and thought data science met the happy medium of computation and stats.
What is your favorite part about being a CECS student/student assistant?
My favorite part about being a CECS student assistant is connecting and networking with students and staff. I enjoy talking to others about CECS and hearing from leadership about ideas and possible ways the college is moving forward.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a CECS student, so far?
As a CECS student thus far, I have learned that there is no real or right answer to most things. Data and ethics are far more than black and white and often reside more in a grey area. From a young age, school emphasizes doing things the “right” way, but in reality there are multiple paths to the same goal, and what matters most is understanding the material and how effectively you communicate it.
If you could tell other students one thing about CECS, what would it be?
CECS has opportunities for everyone! As the world continuously changes and technology advances, so does education. I think it’s extremely beneficial to get a certificate or take a few CECS classes to have a basic understanding of AI, Data Science, or Cybersecurity.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I hope to be working with Data Science in a business or health related field. I’m still exploring what that could like but am excited for what the future holds!