Betty Shea
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I started a proprietary trading company and wanted to apply machine learning to develop trading signals. Through various online courses, I tried to learn the topics I thought I needed to succeed: linear algebra, statistics, supervised learning, online learning, reinforcement learning, etc. I found this approach to learning unsatisfying: the topics seem disjoint and unrelated and I couldn't connect what I was learning to what I wanted to do. This led me to take an introductory level machine learning class at UBC, which I completed as a non-degree student. The class was an eye-opener and I realized that I was only scratching the surface. I didn't realize that there are so many ways that people are already applying machine learning: in finance, in autonomous driving, etc. More importantly, from attending this class, I got the sense that I was starting to understand the bigger picture. I wanted to learn more and completed a graduate-level machine learning class at UBC, also as a non-degree student. At that point, I realized how vast the subject area is and how little I understood of how things work. My curiosity in machine learning led me to my decision to pursue a graduate degree.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
My experience as a non-degree student was really positive. I loved the way lectures, tutorials, labs, assignments and projects all complemented each other. I found the lectures stimulating and the professors and TAs encouraging. I also loved just being on the UBC campus. I'm surrounded by nature (tall trees, beautiful gardens), fellow students who are excited about what they are studying, a seemingly unending stream of campus activities. I love the energy and optimism at UBC.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Computer Science department at UBC employs world-class faculty that have pioneered major developments in the area of optimization, artificial intelligence and machine learning. I wanted to work with my supervisor Dr. Mark Schmidt.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I have family in Vancouver and have visited Vancouver several times before joining UBC. So, I already knew that the city is surrounded by natural beauty and that there are fantastic outdoor activities year round. The best surprise is the camaraderie within the Computer Science department. Work is great fun when you work with people you trust and respect.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I used to work as a high-frequency trader. I learned to enjoy working with data and realized that seemingly inexplicable phenomena can be understood (at least partially) through models and disciplined study.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My advice is to spend time on your relationships with classmates, labmates and supervisor(s). When research gets challenging (as it often does), these are the people who will help you stay focused and motivated.
