Health, Equity, & Data: Transforming Research in Southern New Jersey

Posted September 18, 2023December 7, 2024 in Alumni, Data Science, Psychological Sciences, Stories, Students

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Carla Villacis, a Data Science Master’s student at Rutgers University-Camden, has transitioned from a background in Psychology to a role as a research coordinator at the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs. Through her work on projects ranging from health needs assessments to initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, Carla discovered the need to expand her skills in quantitative data analysis. Now, she’s excited to apply new technical tools to further impact her community through data-driven research.

Discover how Carla’s journey from Psychology to Data Science is shaping impactful projects across Southern New Jersey. Learn about her ongoing research and how she’s making a difference!

From Psychology to Public Impact

After completing my MA in Psychology through Rutgers-Camden, I had the chance to continue working at the university as a researcher at the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI). At WRI, we handle projects ranging from program evaluations and health needs assessments to research briefs—pulling from many data sources and analytical techniques.

I explored boot camp programs promising to turn you into a data scientist in six months, but the high cost and tight timeline didn’t suit me. Discovering the Data Science program at Rutgers-Camden felt like the perfect fit.
Carla Villacis

Becoming a More Well-Rounded Researcher

Supporting others in their academic journeys has always driven me. I was a LEAD mentor and an executive committee member of Wagner’s women’s professional network student initiative. Along with roles as a research assistant, writing tutor, and advisory intern, I’ve developed skills in consulting and data analysis that I enjoy applying in collaborative environments.

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Finding a Fit in Data Science

I explored boot camp programs promising to turn you into a data scientist in six months, but the high cost and tight timeline didn’t suit me. Discovering the Data Science program at Rutgers-Camden felt like the perfect fit. I was drawn by my familiarity with the university, the flexibility of part-time enrollment, and the faculty’s demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and supporting students who are dedicated to learning.

Although this field is different from my previous studies in Romance Languages and Psychology, I’m eager to acquire new skills and tools to grow as a researcher.

Research Projects: Health and Inclusion

Currently, I’m in the early stages of developing and collecting data for multiple projects focused on health needs across Southern New Jersey. For example, one project with Rowan University involves gathering data from Atlantic County residents to strategically deploy Community Health Workers.

I’ve also been involved in research exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rutgers-Camden. This work has primarily focused on interview data, but we’re about to launch a survey in collaboration with DICE to gather feedback from all students, staff, and faculty. Keep an eye out for that survey in the coming weeks!