Can you share a bit about yourself and what you enjoy doing outside the office?
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but for the past 21 years, Centre County has been my home. I live here with my husband, two teenage sons, and my mother. Both of my sons play travel ice hockey, so when I’m not in the office, you’ll likely find me at an ice rink, either somewhere in Pennsylvania or beyond!
What is your professional background, and how did it lead you to OPAIR?
I began my career working with data and SQL at Minitab, where I spent several years as a data engineer. After that, I worked for five years as a programmer analyst in the University Budget Office before joining OPAIR two years ago. My passion for data ultimately brought me to OPAIR, as it aligns perfectly with the work we do here every day.
What are the highlights of working as part of the Institutional Reporting Team?
The data I work with is consistent, but each request is unique, which challenges me to think critically and approach problems from different angles—and I really enjoy that. Plus, my teammates are amazing, which makes the work even more rewarding!
Can you describe a typical day for a Data Modeling Analyst? What are your key responsibilities?
As a Data Modeling Analyst, my typical day involves handling ad-hoc data requests and other reporting duties, both internal to Penn State and external to the State, which are my main responsibilities. Since no two requests or reports are the same, each presents a unique challenge, keeping the work exciting and unpredictable.
Are there any personal or professional goals you are working towards or hoping to achieve in the near future?
Professionally, I’m eager to learn more about Power BI and become proficient in using it. It’s such a powerful tool for data modeling and creating visualizations, and I’m excited about the potential of incorporating it into my work.
As the holiday season approaches, are there any fun traditions you look forward to?
I love decorating my house for the holidays, and we host an annual Christmas Eve party for friends and family, which I look forward to every year.