Laurent Julia Calac, ’27

Why did you choose the DSAN program at GU? 

I chose the DSAN program at Georgetown because of its excellent reputation and its strong and diverse curriculum. I liked that the program covers many different areas of data science and analytics, which allows me to explore topics ranging from machine learning and AI to data engineering and business applications. Being located in Washington, D.C. was also a major factor, as it’s a great place to live and experience graduate school and my uncle lives close as well.

Who had the greatest influence on your career path/education path?

The person who has had the greatest influence on my educational and career path is definitely my mom. From a young age, she always encouraged me to make thoughtful decisions, and to challenge myself. She has continuously supported me through important decisions, whether it was moving abroad to pursue my undergraduate studies as a Division I athlete or continuing my education in graduate school. Her guidance, encouragement, and discipline have played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today.

What is your favorite class in the DSAN program?

My favorite class so far has definitely been Deep Learning and Neural Networks with James. Obviously, deep learning and AI are some of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields right now, so it has been really interesting to gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies work. I’m also a big fan of James’ teaching style because he explains complex concepts in a very clear way while keeping the class engaging and fun whenever he can.

Any advice you’d give prospective/admitted students?

My biggest piece of advice would be to stay organized and try not to let things pile up. The DSAN program can move quickly, so getting started on assignments and projects early makes a huge difference and reduces unnecessary stress. I would also encourage students to take full advantage of all the opportunities Georgetown offers, whether that’s attending networking events, connecting with classmates and professors, or getting involved in the broader Georgetown community. 

How has your experience as a Division One athlete influenced your approach to graduate school and/or your research?

Being a Division I athlete has had a huge influence on how I approach both graduate school and life in general. Competing at a high level taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of a strong work ethic. One of the biggest things I took away from it is time management, since I had to balance a heavy course load with 20-hour practice weeks, travel for competitions, and still perform at a high level on the court. Overall, it helped me learn how to stay organized, prioritize well, and consistently put in the work, which has been really valuable in grad school.

Favorite way to spend your free time?

My favorite way to spend my free time is definitely playing tennis and spending time with friends. Having played tennis my entire life, the sport is still a huge part of who I am, and I enjoy both competing and simply playing for fun. Since arriving at Georgetown, I also enjoy helping out with the Georgetown men’s and women’s tennis teams whenever I can, which allows me to stay connected to the sport and to make friends.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and why?

I would choose the ability to time travel. I have always been fascinated by ancient history and the civilizations that shaped the world we live in today. It would be amazing to go back in time and meet some of the most influential people in history, like Socrates or Alexander the Great, and have a conversation with them. I would love to hear their perspectives, understand how they thought about the world, and experience history first-hand.