Zheng Yi Lai, a senior majoring in Statistics & Computer Science, is currently in his second semester as a Data Analytics Intern with ATLAS. Drawn to the internship by classmates and a passion for data-driven problem solving, Zheng joined to sharpen his skills in SQL, Python, and data visualization while working on projects with real impact. His recent work involves designing interactive Tableau dashboards that help university stakeholders track key metrics at a glance. Zheng also automated data workflows by writing Python scripts with libraries like Pandas and NumPy, drastically improving efficiency in cleaning and analyzing large datasets. One highlight of his experience has been building complete data stories—using SQL to extract relevant data, analyzing trends in Python, and creating visual narratives in Tableau that turn raw numbers into actionable insights. Zheng’s technical growth has been matched by soft skill development. He’s become adept at communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, and learned how to adapt quickly when faced with ambiguous datasets or shifting project goals. Team collaboration also played a key role, giving him a deeper understanding of how data fits into broader decision-making processes. The biggest lesson he’ll carry forward? That effective data storytelling is just as important as the analysis itself. Zheng hopes to apply his skills in a future role in risk management, financial analytics, or insurance, with long-term aspirations of becoming a data scientist. Outside of work, he channels his love of analytics into basketball—exploring player stats and predicting outcomes using Python and SQL.