Image
How Savanna Cabrera Is Using Data to Transform Biology
Savanna Cabrera
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2027, University of Virginia
B.S. in Zoology 2019, University of Florida
Hometown
Palm Coast, Florida
From zookeeper to data scientist-in-training, Savanna Cabrera has followed an unexpected path that bridges her love of the natural world with the power of data. A former museum collections specialist and now a laboratory manager in the University of Virginia’s Brodie Lab, Cabrera discovered firsthand how essential data science has become in modern biology, from building relational databases to using AI to analyze animal behavior.
Now pursuing her M.S. in Data Science Online at UVA, Cabrera is formalizing those skills to unlock deeper insights into ecology, evolution, and the vast biological datasets shaping the future of the field. In this Q&A, she shares what led her to the program, what has surprised her most, and why data science is transforming the world of biology.
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
I started off with a degree in zoology, and I had a specific background in museum collections. This granted me skills in using and developing relational databases in order to keep track of animal specimens from all around the world and from many different centuries.
This familiarity with relational databases led me to the Brodie Lab, a biology lab here at UVA, where I serve as the laboratory manager. It was there that I developed more skills in creating relational databases from scratch, along with learning how to use AI software to analyze animal behavior videos.
Eventually, I hit a wall with what I could understand and develop on my own, so I decided to join the program to formalize my skills and expand my knowledge. Data science helps me better understand the world of ecology and evolution.
Q: What do you hope to do with an M.S. in Data Science degree?
I hope to use my M.S. In data science, to better understand the natural world around us. Biology is trending towards using massive amounts of data, and it needs people who are educated in data science. I'd specifically love to work with big national databases or museum databases.
Q: What has surprised you about the MSDS program so far?
I was really surprised by how invested the professors were. I really felt like the professors wanted to get to know us as people and help us succeed.
Q: What class do you look forward to taking?
I'm really excited to take reinforcement learning! I know it's going to help me with some of the programs my lab needs to learn how to use.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s in Data Science?
I would strongly advise people considering a Master's in Data Science to learn how to manage time effectively. It's a rigorous and fast-paced program, and it can be easy to fall behind.
Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
I used to be a zookeeper! I used to take care of lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and the occasional deer. My favorite animal that I took care of was a lion named Narobi. Nowadays, I primarily handle my research lab's stocks of forked fungus beetles. I also have two wonderful cats, Oscar Wilde and Sylvia Plath.
Learn more about the part-time, 100% online M.S. in Data Science at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
