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Cole Whittington Is Pursuing Data Science to Build More Just and Sustainable Cities
Cole Whittington
Education:
M.S. in Data Science, 2026, University of Virginia
B.S. in Data Science, 2025, Boston University
Hometown:
Durham, N.C.
Cole Whittington didn’t set out to become a data scientist, but he knew he wanted to make a difference. After learning about the power of data science as a catalyst for change, he switched his major to data science and hasn’t looked back.
Now a student at the University of Virginia’s M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) in-person, residential program, Whittington is exploring how data and machine learning can help build smarter, equitable cities.
In this profile, he discusses his path to data science, offers advice to prospective students, and describes his vision for the future at the intersection of data and policy.
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
Following my freshman year at Boston University, I attended the Data Justice Academy (DJA) at UVA, where I was introduced to the intersection of data science and social science. By working with different Virginia municipalities to solve problems using data science techniques, I was exposed to how data science can guide and strengthen policy. This led me to switch my major from political science to data science as a way to craft and implement more effective policies. When I returned to DJA the following summer, I worked with the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to help map 20th-century restrictive covenants in the city of Charlottesville.
Q: What do you hope to do with a master’s in data science?
I have always been interested in cities and urban planning, and I hope to eventually use my data science degree to build sustainable and thriving cities. I specifically want to focus on systems — particularly how efficiently data moves through an ecosystem from collection to the output of a predictive model. My ultimate goal is to run a consulting firm that works with cities to improve the lives of their citizens by building housing. I plan to use machine learning systems to improve public services so that residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds can flourish.
Q: What has surprised you about the M.S. in Data Science program so far?
I am most surprised by the differences in UVA’s curriculum compared to my undergraduate institution. The curriculum has a heavier focus on interactive live coding classes, which is a great way to teach students different styles of coding. The program also encourages the use of GitHub and the command line more than I have had in the past. This has allowed me to further strengthen my skills in areas that I previously overlooked during my time in undergrad.
Q: What are you involved in outside of class?
Outside of the classroom, I am an instructional assistant for a data engineering course within the SDS undergraduate program, where I help students develop best practices in data engineering. Additionally, I work part-time for an education consulting firm, where I automate data pipelines and enhance predictive modeling practices, enabling our clients to secure federal research grants. I am also a Civic Cornerstone Fellow at the Karsh Institute of Democracy, where I engage in structured political dialogue to gain knowledge about the American political landscape.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering an MSDS?
The biggest piece of advice I’d give to someone considering a Master’s program is to dive deep into the program curriculum. Different programs emphasize different subsections and foundations of data science. Some are heavy on statistics, while others lean into computation. Choose a program that fits your learning goals and reach out to alumni of the program to learn candidly about their experiences and how the program has helped shape their career choices.
Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
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A fun fact about me is that I have been to all 50 U.S. states. From a young age, my family set a goal to explore the United States, and we completed our journey in Hawaii for my 21st birthday. Also, while at Boston University, I served as co-editor-in-chief of New England’s largest nonpartisan political paper, the Boston Political Review.
Learn more about the full-time, in-person Residential MSDS at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
