MSDS Student Profile: Bella Samper

Bella Samper

M.S. in Data Science 2023, University of Virginia
B.A. in Psychology 2021, Randolph-Macon College

Q: Tell us about your path to data science.

I have always loved sports ever since I started playing lacrosse in the fourth grade. While an undergrad, I played lacrosse and knew I wanted to go into the sports industry after graduation. I also loved learning about people’s thought processes, so decided to major in psychology. During my psychology studies, I would often do research and found myself becoming more and more interested in the data. I then completed a summer internship where we were conditioning athletes through visual skills training. I had the opportunity to play with the data that was used to improve machine accuracy. This is when I decided I wanted to go into sports analytics and picked up a mathematics minor with the goal of pursuing a master's in data science. 

Q: What do you hope to do with a data science degree?

I would like to work in sports analytics, specifically focusing on team performance to improve athlete abilities. I would have loved to have something like when I was a college athlete. 

Q: What has surprised you about the MSDS program so far?

Something that has surprised me about the M.S. in Data Science program so far is how many amazing resources there are at the University of Virginia to help us with career development and the recruiting process. Besides University Career Services, there are dedicated School of Data Science career staff to give personalized advice and help guide you throughout the year.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a master’s in data science?

A piece of advice I would give to someone considering a master's in data science is to figure out what you really want in a program. There are so many different kinds of programs out there that you need to do your research and know what’s important to you. That way, you can choose the best one for you! 

Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?

• I have a twin brother. 

• I have played lacrosse in five countries. 

• I worked in alumni relations and fundraising for Randolph-Macon College for a year between undergrad and grad school.