Dan Carvalheiro recently joined Extension as our data analyst. He is originally from Bridgeport and is working towards a doctoral degree in Human Development and Family Sciences at UConn.

What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it?

My area of interest is at the intersection of data, statistics, research, and programming. I started my graduate studies with a very broad interest in research. As I started to take more advanced quantitative methodology courses, I discovered that my passions lay in working with all kinds of data to develop insights, tell interesting stories, guide decision-making, and build tools.

What will your role be with UConn Extension?

My official position is ‘Data Analyst’. Generally, that will include implementing and guiding changes to data systems and work at Extension, supporting Extension members and services with understanding the implications of their data, and building visualization and reports to highlight Extension’s impact.

What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?

The opportunity to build foundations in data systems and work that can be used for years to come and being able to apply my data-skills towards helping people’s everyday lives.

What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?

That working with data is not just a science or collection of technical skills; it is also an art and adventure in some ways.

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?

Besides exploring my data, statistics, programming interests in my free time, I have a strong passion for art and creative works. This includes writing and creating, interacting with all kinds of fiction and storytelling, and playing games.