Astronomers Turned Data Scientists Podcast

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Mar 2026

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About the show

A podcast featuring interviews with a variety of former astronomers / current data scientists. Created as part of the Astronomers Turned Data Scientists (ATDS) community (which also has annual meetings at the American Astronomical Society’s Winter Meeting).

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15 recent

March 11, 2026Episode 1552 min

15. Isaac Shivvers

Isaac Shivvers discusses his background in Astronomy, Geology, and Physics, his transition to Data Science, and his experience at various Data Scientist jobs, including the bankruptcy of Airware. He then dives deep into Computer Vision: his experiences, beginner projects, steps to take for those who have Astronomy experience and want to get into a Computer Vision role, and his predictions for the future in Computer Vision. Links Isaac’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishivvers/ Airware Bankruptcy Article: https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/14/airware-shuts-down/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Isaac Shivvers Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn We thank the American Astronomical Society for being an official sponsor of the podcast. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - Background in Geology, Astronomy, and Physics 4:50 - The Decision to Leave Academia 8:41 - The Decision to Enter Data Science 13:30 - First Data Scientist Job at the Startup Airware 23:44 - Subsequent Data Scientist Jobs and Computer Vision 31:50 - How to Get into Computer Vision 40:29 - Beginner Computer Vision Projects 46:00 - Predictions for the Future in Computer Vision 51:38 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

January 2, 2026Episode 1450 min

14. Marcos Huerta

Marcos Huerta discusses his astronomy background, his transitions first to science policy and later to data science, and his current data science job at Carmax. He also talks about data science bootcamps, interviews, work-life balance, and his predictions for the future of data science and LLMs. Links Marcos’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshuerta/ Marcos’s Website: https://marcoshuerta.com/about/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Marcos Huerta Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn We thank the American Astronomical Society for being an official sponsor of the podcast. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Astronomy Background 4:18 - Transition to Science Policy 8:06 - Transition to Data Science 11:40 - Job Changes within Science Policy 15:32 - Data Science Bootcamps and Alternatives 21:55 - Interviewing 26:20 - Data Science at Carmax 33:50 - Day-to-Day and Work-Life Balance 40:26 - Predictions for Data Science and LLMs 47:46 - Final Advice 49:40 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

October 20, 2025Episode 1356 min

13. Julia Silge

Julia Silge discusses how she got into astronomy, her first non-data science positions after leaving academia, and how she then started blogging about data science and going to conferences, which opened up the door to new opportunities, including open source contributions, writing books, and data science positions. She shares advice for those who are considering making the transition from astronomy to data science. She also talks about the experience of speaking at SciPy 2024 about scientific computing across languages. Links: Julia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasilge/ Julia’s blog: https://juliasilge.com/blog/ ROpenSci: https://ropensci.org/ Her first O’Reilly book: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/text-mining-with/9781491981641/ SciPy Conference: https://conference.scipy.org/ Her Talk at SciPy 2024: https://youtu.be/MVuxbtERZMI?si=1pSajS3Y1I5CjjBx Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Julia Silge Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn We thank the American Astronomical Society for being an official sponsor of the podcast. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:37 - Astronomy Background 7:45 - Careers After Leaving Astronomy 8:49 - Emergence of Data Science 10:36 - UT Austin Astronomy Conducive to Data Science 12:45 - Getting into Data Science 19:13 - First Data Science Job 21:36 - Consulting Roles 25:44 - Writing Books 28:16 - Current Role at Posit PBC 35:51 - Switch from Individual Contributor to Manager 42:50 - Advice for Astronomers Becoming Data Scientists 48:29 - Scientific Computing Across Languages 56:13 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

August 13, 2025Episode 1249 min

12. Chris Lindner

Chris Lindner talks about his Astronomy background, his transition into Data Science, as well as his stint as a professional Poker player. He also discusses how as a graduate student he was involved in starting a study group about entering Data Science, how there is no real method to interviews, how he continues to stay connected to Academia through events like Astronomy on Tap, and what non-technical skills are important for Astronomers looking to become Data Scientists. Links: Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lindner-170a0385/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Chris Lindner Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:49 - Astronomy Background 2:09 - Study Group About Entering Data Science 6:29 - Communication Between Industry and Academia 13:05 - Transition into Data Science 19:40 - Diversity of Interviews 23:27 - Networking and Getting Referrals 26:28 - How Data Science Has Changed Over the Years 34:56 - Important Non-Technical Skills 38:20 - Most Recent Positions: Data Science and Professional Poker 43:14 - Relevance of Math for Poker 47:06 - Final Advice for Astronomers Becoming Data Scientists 49:13 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

April 10, 2025Episode 1148 min

11. Tom Kirsh

Tom Kirsh talks about his astronomy experience during undergrad, learning data science foundations, getting hired as a data scientist, and his next career steps. He also offers advice about how to pitch yourself in interviews and emphasizes the need for data cleaning. Links: Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaskirsh/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Tom Kirsh Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:58 - Astronomy Background 4:35 - Applying to Grad Schools and Data Science Foundations 10:38 - Search for a Data Science Position 13:38 - Experience in First Data Scientist Position 27:20 - Pitching Astronomy Experience in a Data Science Interview 30:35 - Envisioning Next Career Steps 37:44 - Second Job Search 44:08 - Advice for Transitioning to Data Science This Year 47:50 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

February 22, 2025Episode 1050 min

10. Patrick Aleo

Patrick Aleo talks about his astronomy background, how he developed his skills for data science over several years of graduate school, his recent transition to data science, and his fresh industry experience. He also offers his advice to academics who are considering making the transition to data science. Links: Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdaleo/ Patrick’s Talk at ATDS 6: https://youtu.be/2j9lVBcBpfY?t=20&si=gkTwR7TP8ZU0NbEL Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Patrick Aleo Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:04 - Highlight of Recent Transition to Data Science 2:11 - Astronomy and ML Background 9:37 - Transition to Data Science 15:43 - Transferable Skills and Applying for Industry Positions 22:30 - Adapting to his Industry Data Scientist Position 28:40 - Scope of his Current Data Science Work at Honeywell 38:30 - Advice to Academics Considering the Transition 42:11 - Impact of ML on Astronomy Today 46:39 - Advocating for Yourself 49:50 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

January 7, 2025Episode 948 min

9. Julie Hollek

Julie Hollek discusses her Astronomy background, her transition to Data Science, and her experience as an Individual Contributor, Manager, and Director. She also talks about bootcamps, the SciPy conference, and advantages for people coming from Astronomy into Data Science. Links: Julie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehollek/ SciPy Conference: https://conference.scipy.org/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Julie Hollek Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - Astronomy Background 4:32 - Grad School, Coding Bootcamp, and Transition to Data Science 8:01 - Career Progression in Data Science 13:31 - Transition from Individual Contributor to Manager and Director; Types of Jobs 21:20 - Is a Bootcamp Worth It?; The Value of Networking 26:42 - The Advantage of an Astronomy Background for Data Science 31:05 - Involvement in the SciPy Conference and Community 43:49 - Advice for People Transitioning to Data Science 47:14 - Invitation to the SciPy Conference 48:09 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

December 7, 2024Episode 850 min

8. Eva Noyola

Eva Noyola discusses her Astronomy background, her transition to Data Science, her experience as a Data Analyst and in the public sector, and how Astronomy has prepared us to take on challenges. Links: Eva’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-noyola-743a06178/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Eva Noyola Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - Astronomy Background 5:16 - Transition to Data Science 8:18 - Austin As a Data Science Hub 10:42 - Applying for Jobs and Interviewing 15:39 - Experience As a Data Analyst 18:35 - The Title of Data Analyst vs Data Scientist 22:45 - Favorite Type of Project 25:00 - Being a Data Pioneer in a Company or Organization 29:12 - Benefits of Participating in ATDS Meetings 31:49 - Advice for Job Seekers 38:55 - Pleasant Surprises About Working in Industry 41:18 - Future Aspirations; Working in the Public Sector 47:19 - Final Advice; How Astronomy Trains Us 49:55 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

October 4, 2024Episode 749 min

7. Kevin Moore

Kevin Moore talks about how he got into Astronomy and transitioned from there to Data Science. He discusses his current job at a startup. He goes into details about programming, interviews, and the role of LLMs in the future of Data Science. Links: Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmoore13/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Kevin Moore Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:47 - Astronomy Background 2:40 - Transition to Data Science 4:52 - First Data Science Job 7:15 - Scala and Python 9:40 - Programming, Computational Astrophysics, and Tools to Get a Data Science Job 16:09 - Favorite Projects Venturing into the Unknown 17:26 - Joining a Startup As a Data Scientist 23:03 - Interviewing Data Scientist Candidates 39:17 - Future of NLP and LLMs 48:33 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data

June 22, 2024Episode 657 min

6. Riwaj Pokhrel

Riwaj Pokhrel discusses his recent transition from Astronomy to Data Science, the factors that led to this decision, and his current role as a Data Scientist. He then compares what he expected out of this transition with what his current experience is. He talks about networking and other important transferable skills. He shares how he has regained some of his original love for Astronomy after his transition. Finally, he shares advice for people who are hoping to transition to Data Science. Links: Riwaj’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riwajpokhrel/ ADP List: https://adplist.org/ Credits Intro Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Outro Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com (no relation) Co-Hosts: Jeffrey Silverman and Joseph A’Hearn Recording: Jeffrey Silverman Editing: Joseph A’Hearn ATDS Podcast Logo: Joseph A’Hearn Thumbnail Headshot Image: Riwaj Pokhrel Thumbnail Design: Joseph A'Hearn Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Astronomy Background 6:10 - Transition to Data Science 16:28 - Current Data Scientist Role 23:56 - Expectations vs. Reality about the Transition 28:00 - Technical and Transferable Skills 40:50 - Sharing the Love of Astronomy as a Data Scientist 45:32 - Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Experience 49:00 - Final Thoughts about the Future of Data Science 56:40 - Outro #Astronomy #DataScience #Transitions #Podcast #ATDS #Astro2Data