Data Science in Detail: Sri Harshini Puduri

Sri Harshini Puduri is pursuing a master’s degree in data science with a focus in computer science through Florida State University’s Interdisciplinary Data Science Master’s Degree Program, or IDS, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to her time at FSU, Puduri earned a bachelor of technology degree in 2023 from the Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology in Hyderabad, India.

What year are you in school, and when do you expect to graduate?

I am in my second year of the IDS computer science track, and I am projected to graduate in May 2025.

Where are you from, and why did you choose FSU?

I am from Hyderabad, and FSU’s interdisciplinary approach to data science really drew me to the university. The IDS program encourages us to get involved with real-world problems instead of focusing solely on theory, which is exactly what I was looking for. FSU felt like a place where I could be academically challenged and personally supported, so it just clicked!

What inspired you to choose your major and specific area of research?

I have always been drawn to solving real-world problems, but the moment I realized I wanted to be a part of making a positive change in the world was when I was part of a startup company creating a new application back in India. We developed a prototype for an app that increased environmental sustainability in the fashion industry, which is globally responsible for more carbon emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined, according to the United Nations. The app recommends clothing based on your body shape, making it easier to find a good clothing fit and reducing returns by 49%.

Seeing how data can be used to tackle something tangible, such as reducing waste in the fashion industry, really lit a spark. It was not just about the numbers anymore; it was about using data to solve problems that genuinely matter and contributing to a better future.

What has been your favorite part of the IDS program so far?

I love how hands-on IDS is. Working with tools like Copilot Studio — a Microsoft platform that can create and customize building agents, or ways you can specialize tasks within the platform — has completely changed my approach to data science. It is no longer just about lectures or textbooks; I am using these tools to solve real-world problems. Plus, the fact that I get to collaborate with people from different disciplines, such as business analytics, has opened my mind to new ideas I would not have come across otherwise.

What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?

The Dirac Science Library and FSU Career Center have played such a big role in me staying on track and pushing myself forward. The library has been my second home on campus. I have spent countless hours there studying, fine-tuning projects, and sometimes just finding a quiet space to think. Also, from résumé advice to connecting me with some amazing networking opportunities through FSUshadow, the Career Center has helped me feel prepared for life beyond FSU.

Are there any faculty or staff who have helped or inspired you?

Jennifer Clark, administrative director of IDS, has been a rock for me throughout my entire time at FSU. Her unwavering positivity has made all the difference. Gordon Erlebacher, IDS program director and professor in the Department of Scientific Computing, and Michael Burmester, professor in the Department of Computer Science, have left a lasting impact on how I approach learning. Taking a data-mining course with Erlebacher and computer security fundamentals course with Burmester not only expanded my knowledge, but both professors also fundamentally changed the way I think. Their teaching style and constant support have really shaped my learning experience.

Following your graduation, what are your plans?

I look forward to applying everything I have learned in a dynamic, real-world environment. I want to work on projects that challenge me, whether that is in tech, consulting or even at another startup. I love the idea of using data to solve tough problems and make a tangible impact. Down the road, I would like to grow into a leadership role where I can guide a team, but for now, I am excited to get hands-on experience, keep learning, and see where this journey takes me!