“I find it relaxing to work with data.  I’m a mathematician by training and much more into applied mathematics, so I find recursive formulas very relaxing and linear algebra is like a fun puzzle, like a crossword.  I like problem solving.  ‘Big data’ is an excellent field for problem solving.  I like finding elegant solutions to complex problems.  I approach problem solving slightly off-kilter from others – I would often get weird grades in school, but it also means that if people give me problems they’re struggling with, I could look at it and come up with something different from them.  This is my first data science meeting.  I’m enjoying the opportunity and being around mathematicians and database people and folks who get excited by data.  And I’m pleased that there are other women I can talk to.”