Ben Houghton
Adjunct Professor
Who had the greatest influence on your education and/or career path?
This is a pretty tough question as there were so many people who have influenced me throughout my life. Both of my parents had a lot of influence on me, always pushing me to pursue math and science. My grandfather was an engineer, and so I knew that I wanted to also be in engineering/STEM. Last but certainly not least, I have had so many great teachers and professors throughout my education, too many to name. I would like to highlight the professors in DSAN that have recently had a profound impact on my career. I would say they know who they are.
What led you to pursue engineering and data science?
A lot of the answer is in the first question, the people who have influenced my education and career. The other side to that is I have always been enjoyed this sort of reasoning and thinking. It probably started with Legos, progressed to complex games/puzzles like chess, and finally a genuine interest in mathematics and engineering.
What do you enjoy most about your work with DSAN?
I love the science of it all. Coming through the DSAN program as a student I remember being in awe of (what was then) state-of-the-art ML and AI. What I enjoy most of all is conveying that sense of possibility to our students.
What’s the first piece of advice you would give to a DSAN student?
It gets easier! I think it can be overwhelming coming into the program. But I think every student who commits to the process is, or can be, very successful in the program. You have to find what works for you!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I make my own pizza dough.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Stay the course and finish what you have started. It’s hard to know how things will shake out until you’ve seen something through.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
The power of knowledge. If you understood the way the universe works then you could do anything.
What 3 things would you want with you on a deserted island?
Definitely a boat to sail away from the island, a crew to run the boat, and supplies for the crew.