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Why a Microsoft director chose UVA’s online MSDS to level up in AI
Addison Nitto
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2026, University of Virginia
B.S. in Business Administration 2017, Carnegie Mellon University
Hometown
Rumson, New Jersey
Employment
Microsoft AI-Microsoft, Analytical Director
Addison Nitto is no stranger to high performance—on the field or in the workplace. A former college football player at Carnegie Mellon University and current Analytical Director at Microsoft AI, Addison brings energy, discipline, and curiosity to everything he does. Now enrolled in the University of Virginia’s (UVA) online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program, he’s expanding his technical foundation to better lead in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving fields: artificial intelligence.
In this Q&A, Addison shares how an early interest in statistics and sports analytics evolved into a career at the cutting edge of data science, why UVA’s collaborative online program stood out from the rest, and how he’s using graduate school to stay ahead of the accelerating AI landscape. Whether you're a working professional considering graduate study or simply curious about how data science connects industries as varied as sports, tech, and live music, Addison’s story offers both inspiration and insight.
Q: Tell us about your path to Data Science.
While I studied at the Tepper School of Business during my time at Carnegie Mellon University, data science and analytics are at the basis of many core courses regardless of focus. Moreover, I studied advanced statistics classes during my undergrad, which drove my passion for data science.
Following undergrad, I initially wanted to work in the sports industry, which led me to take on a strategy and analytics role at a sports agency. From there, my deep dive into data science began. I moved to an agency as a digital analyst, then I eventually took a position with Microsoft, where I have been for 5 years. Over the past five years, data science has evolved tremendously; LLMs were still in their infancy, and now they are at the core of my day-to-day profession.
Q: What do you hope to do with an M.S. in Data Science degree?
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The MSDS program will allow me to add depth to my technical expertise, which in turn allows me to further Microsoft's advancement in AI and Copilot solutions. While AI is evolving at a rate faster than many of us can keep up with, having a strong knowledge base is essential not only to keep up but to stay ahead.
Q: What excited you about the UVA MSDS program?
What excited me the most about the UVA MSDS program was not only the incredible pedigree that the University of Virginia and the faculty bring, but the cohort system that their MSDS provides. Being able to learn and grow with peers is something that is essential in a professional atmosphere and is one of the key drivers for me choosing this program.
Many other programs operate asynchronously, which I feel takes away from the community and learning experience. UVA’s synchronous, cohort-style MSDS program enables student interaction and team development.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s in Data Science?
Data Science is broad and ever evolving. This Master's program is better equipping students and professionals to stay ahead of the rapidly progressing science and industry by ingraining core concepts that everything is built on. That said, within data science, you must remain a student and constantly grow and adapt as the industry transforms.
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Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
I played college football at Carnegie Mellon University, and I used to MC concerts for Sofar Sounds in Manhattan.
