Carly Taylor, Lead ML Engineer at Activision, discusses low-latency in gaming, the future of gaming, and transitioning into data science. Topics include cybersecurity, the Metaverse, favorite software packages, and filing patents.
Low-latency is crucial for optimal gaming experiences.
The future of gaming includes diverse participants and mobile expansion.
Problem-solving skills are essential in data science.
Deep dives
Future of Gaming and Metaverse
Carly Taylor discusses the future of gaming, highlighting the potential for games becoming larger and more interactive across global players. She envisions gaming expanding to include diverse participants and sees mobile gaming growing exponentially. Taylor expresses hope for a metaverse that fosters open collaboration across various companies, encouraging user-generated content and demystifying the concept beyond a platform for ads.
Importance of Problem-Solving Skills
Carly Taylor values candidates who enjoy solving problems, emphasizing how data scientists constantly face new challenges. She believes problem-solving abilities are crucial for effectively addressing issues and finding solutions in data science, elevating individuals who exhibit curiosity and puzzle-solving enthusiasm.
Choice of Operating Systems
While using a Mac for data science work due to its user-friendly features, Carly Taylor reveals her preference for Linux on a personal computer, appreciating its customization options despite potential technical challenges. She appreciates the tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards, notably favoring MX Brown switches for daily use while expressing a fondness for the clacky experience of blue switches for additional keyboards.
Crafting a Narrative for Career Transition
Crafting a narrative for career transition can be challenging, especially when moving from a hard quantitative science field like chemistry to data science. The podcast host shared their personal experience of transitioning from a chemistry background to data science and the obstacles faced in explaining their expertise to potential employers. Crafting an elevator pitch and aligning resume content with interview narratives were highlighted as crucial elements in successfully transitioning careers.
Data Science as a Balanced Field
In response to a listener's question about gender balance in data science, the podcast host shared insights on the inclusive environment of the field. Highlighting the presence of influential female data influencers and the collaborative nature of data science, the podcast emphasized a balanced representation of men, women, and non-binary individuals in the industry. Contrasting with male-dominated fields like oil and gas, data science was portrayed as a diverse and welcoming space for professionals of all backgrounds.
Machine learning, security and Call of Duty collide this week as Jon Krohn sits down with Carly Taylor, Lead Machine Learning Engineer for Activision's COD franchise to discuss the importance of low-latency, the future of gaming and her favorite software packages.
This episode is brought to you by Kolena (kolena.io), the testing platform for machine learning. Interested in sponsoring a SuperDataScience Podcast episode? Visit JonKrohn.com/podcast for sponsorship information.
In this episode you will learn:
• The relationship between data science and cyber security [4:49]
• The importance of low-latency for an optimal gaming experience [9:15]
• The future of gaming [18:13]
• Carly's thoughts on the Metaverse [25:43]
• Carly’s favorite operating systems, software packages, and keyboards [30:27]
• How to transition from a quantitative academic background into data science [45:28]
• Why Carly is called the “Rebel Data Scientist” [53:27]
