Maya Manal France (’27 data science, technical communication) is pursuing her passion for technology through both her academics and hands-on experiences. Maya also has minors in entrepreneurship and applied artificial intelligence.
Why did you decide to study data science at Iowa State University?
“I’ve always had a love for solving problems and creating something meaningful through coding, which originally led me to study computer science during my first three semesters. As I started taking classes that focused on organizing and interpreting data, I realized how much I enjoyed uncovering patterns and making informed decisions. That inspired me to switch to data science, where I can combine my technical skills with my interest in helping organizations make smarter, data-driven decisions.”
How have the faculty in data science impacted your academic success?
“The faculty in data science have played a big role in my growth. They’re always willing to help, whether that’s answering questions after class, offering advice on internships, or encouraging me to explore new areas in tech. I’ve had professors who made complex topics feel approachable and who genuinely care about helping students succeed. Their support has pushed me to keep challenging myself and has made a huge difference in my confidence as a student.”
How is your classroom learning preparing you for a career?
“My courses and class projects have really prepared me for my career. Learning tools like SQL [Structured Query Language] and R, and working with different datasets have helped me build strong technical and analytical skills. These skills opened doors for me to work in both qualitative and quantitative internships, as well as roles focused on feature engineering and machine learning. The hands-on nature of the coursework has made it easy to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world projects and professional settings.”
You’ve studied abroad not once, but twice! Can you share about your experiences and the internships you did abroad?
“Yes! I studied abroad for a semester in Singapore and also spent the summer in Lisbon, Portugal. During this time, I learned so much about different cultures, myself, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. I had the chance to travel to new countries, try amazing foods, and meet people from all over the world. Academically and professionally, I was able to see what the workforce looks like internationally, interning with NielsenIQ in Singapore as a Qualitative Insights and Data Science Intern and with DXspark in Lisbon as a Data Science and Machine Learning Intern. Both experiences helped me grow personally and professionally while giving me a global perspective on technology and the industry.”
You also participated in the Start Something LAS Academy, a two-year experience in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) to help students build an innovation mindset or even launch a business. What led you to participate and what did you gain from the program?
“I participated in the Start Something LAS Academy, a two-year program that I joined my freshman year and completed at the end of my sophomore year. I’ve always had a strong passion for building my own business, helping others, and finding ways to use technology to bridge those two interests. The program really helped me develop my business idea while learning about key concepts like business models, planning, and what it takes to build something from the ground up.
Through Start Something, I also had the opportunity to work as a student assistant, where I managed social media, planned events, supported student engagement, and shared advice with other cohorts while learning from them as well. This experience helped me strengthen my leadership and communication skills and officially start the process of building my own business.”
For future Cyclones who are thinking about studying data science, what should they know about the benefits of this degree?
“Data science opens up so many opportunities because it connects to almost every industry. You can take the skills you learn and apply them to anything that interests you, whether that’s business, tech, health care, or even entrepreneurship. The degree teaches you how to think critically, solve problems with data, and communicate your findings in a meaningful way. It’s also a major that constantly challenges you to learn and grow, which keeps things exciting. The best part is that it gives you the flexibility to shape your own career path while making a real impact through data-driven decisions.”
Anything else future Cyclones should know?
“I’d tell future students not to be afraid to explore different opportunities and interests along the way. Data science is such a flexible major that can take you in so many directions, whether that’s analytics, AI, entrepreneurship, or something completely unexpected. Take advantage of the resources at Iowa State, get involved, talk to professors, and apply what you learn outside the classroom. Every experience, whether it’s a project, internship, or study abroad, helps you grow. Most importantly, trust the process and stay curious. You’ll be surprised by how much you learn about data and yourself along the way.”