CDS Welcomes Four New Team Members
BU Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences is excited to welcome four new team members! Read about our new academic advisors, BU Spark's new data science manager and CHASS/Spark! postdoctoral fellow.
Computing & Data Sciences
Lakyn Bright joined CDS in May 2023 as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor. In this role, Lakyn supports the undergraduate students in CDS from orientation to graduation by providing thorough guidance regarding academic plans, goals, and interests. Additionally, she connects students to available campus and community resources and activities. Lakyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and Human Development with an emphasis in Family Studies from Utah Valley University. Read more.
Elizabeth Carter joined the advising team as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor starting in the fall 2023. Elizabeth has worked at Boston University since January 2022, previously in wet labs and academic research.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor's degree in biology and minors in chemistry, mathematics, and art history from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Elizabeth’s undergraduate experience was disjointed due to changing majors and the COVID-19 pandemic pushing courses online. Elizabeth hopes to put these experiences to good use in advising students facing similar challenges. Read more.
Spark!
Taylor Beauvais joined BU Spark! as a Data Science Program Manager in June 2023. He has a master’s degree in public opinion, research methods, and data analytics from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from University at Buffalo in New York. His research focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence (machine learning/ algorithmic models) on economic, social, and governmental systems. His master’s thesis was on novel methodologies for surveying digital ecosystems. Read more.
Postdoctoral Fellow, CHASS & Spark!
Seth Villegas is a Postdoctoral Fellow for CDS' BU Spark! Program and the Computational Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Initiative (CHASS). In this dual role, Seth teaches data science ethics in Spark! courses, acts as a risk consultant on Spark! projects using a risk-assessment process that he designed, and coordinates CHASS activities for CDS. Seth earned his PhD in Ethics and Technology at Boston University’s School of Theology. Read more.