Women in Digital and Computational Spaces: Meet Federica Gazzelloni
Today our spotlight shines on Federica Gazzelloni. Federica is an independndent researcher and member of R4DS and R-Ladies.
In short
- Preferred name and surname: Federica Gazzelloni
- Role: Independent Researcher
- Email: fede.gazzelloni@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federicagazzelloni/
- GitHub: https://github.com/Fgazzelloni
📽️ What is your all time favourite movie and what makes it so special?
My all-time favorite movie is “Notting Hill.” I love it because it’s a heartwarming romantic comedy with charming characters and funny dialogues that never fails to lift my spirits.
📚 Can you describe your background and your current role?
As for my background and current role, I am a statistician and actuary with a deep passion for data science and technology. I work as an independent researcher.
What line of work are you in?
Data Science
Give a short summary of what you do in this role
In my current role, as an independent researcher, I focus on advanced statistical methods for data modeling, particularly in the field of public health. I am also actively involved in the tech space, collaborating with organizations like R4DS and R-Ladies to promote gender diversity and knowledge-sharing within the R programming community.
What did you study?
Statistics and Actuarial Science
How did you get involved in the tech space?
My involvement in the tech space began during the pandemic when I decided to transition from using Excel to learning R programming.
What software do you use on a daily basis in your job?
R
How did you learn to use these tools?
I have improved my skills in R and other tools such as Python and SQL through self-learning and participation in online courses and community events.
Which tool has the biggest impact on your ability to succeed at work?
R
Do you think women are well represented in your line of work?
I am not sure about that. Mostly men are in the actuarial position around the world but there are some women as well. In the field of Data Science there are a lot of open source communities that make friendly space for women to share their abilities.
🌱 Tell us more about your community of practice
Describe the purpose of this community from your point of view.
Provide a friendly environment and a safe space where to learn together.
How did you get involved?
Through book-clubs and events organization
Why do you find it useful to be a part of this community?
Speaking of communities of practice, my involvement with R4DS and R-Ladies has been incredibly rewarding. These communities serve as valuable resources for learning, networking, and collaboration in the field of data science. I became involved by attending events, participating in online discussions, and volunteering as a mentor and organizer.
Is your community accessible and welcoming to women? If so, how?
I find these communities useful because they provide a supportive and inclusive environment where members can learn from each other, share resources, and collaborate on projects. Both R4DS and R-Ladies are accessible and welcoming to women, offering mentorship programs, workshops, and online forums for discussion and support.
How can other people become a part of this community?
Get into the slack.com for these communities
What other communities of practice are you a part of?
The Bioconductor and The Carpentries
💡 What advice do you have for women in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) eager to grow their computational skills?
For women in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) eager to grow their computational skills, my advice would be to start by learning the basics of programming and data analysis using resources like online courses, tutorials, and community events. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out mentorship, and collaborate with others in the field. And most importantly, don’t underestimate the value of practice and persistence in building your skills and confidence in the tech space.