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Bridging Biology and Data: A Q&A with Emily Garman
Emily Garman
Education:
M.S. In Data Science 2026, University of Virginia
B.S. In Biomedical Engineering and Minor in Computer Science 2025, University of Virginia
Hometown:
Purcellville, VA
Meet Emily Garman, a student ambassador in the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) residential program at the University of Virginia School of Data Science, and part of the inaugural group of students pursuing the REGARDS Genomic Focus.
Combining her undergraduate background in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science with a passion for healthcare, Emily is exploring how data science can transform medical research and patient care. In this Q&A, she shares her journey to data science, what surprises her about the MSDS program, and how she balances her studies with running, guitar, and travel adventures around the world.
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
Even early on in my education, I enjoyed the logical and analytical thinking that was required in my math and science classes, which led me to pursue a degree in engineering. I was attracted to Biomedical Engineering (BME) because it combined my interest in biology and healthcare with technical and engineering concepts.
With the original intent of making myself more marketable to employers, I started on the track for a minor in Computer Science (CS). I ended up really enjoying the contrast between the two different kinds of work that I was doing, programming for CS, and applying many of the CS principles I was learning to medical contexts for BME.
At a career fair during my Fourth Year, I met with a representative from UVA's School of Data Science who introduced me to the Genomics Focus newly offered by their program. The opportunity to integrate my undergraduate degree with something as upcoming and lucrative as Data Science was too good to pass up!
Q: What do you hope to do with a Data Science Master's Degree?
My aim after graduating is to get a job that allows me to gain experience and further build my skills. Eventually, in my career, I hope to work in the healthcare/medical field to improve the care that people receive, something that I have always been passionate about.
Q: What has surprised you about the MSDS program so far?
I was surprised by how similar the MSDS program is to engineering course structures due to the collaborative nature of most projects and assignments. It makes it much easier to connect with and get to know the other students in the cohort!
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Q: What are you involved in outside of class?
Outside of class, I enjoy running (I'm a frequent participant in local Charlottesville races!), going to the gym, and playing the guitar. I have found that each of these things is a good outlet for me when courses get difficult!
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s in Data Science?
So far, I have seen how applicable data science is to almost any field that you can think of. I would research how the skills you would learn from a degree in data science could contribute to a few of the industries that you are most interested in being part of one day, and go from there.
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Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
I have been to 21 countries! I love traveling, and it has given me many memorable experiences, including running into and speaking to Tom Brady at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, one of my favorite places that I have visited.
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.
M.S. in Data Science, Residential
