Who are you, and what do you do? What do you like to do outside of work?

My name is Catherine, and I am a Data Scientist at Dropbox. I work with data to make better predictions, give sounder recommendations, and tell a story.

Outside of work, I enjoy training my dogs for fun and for competitions. I am currently working for and learning from the team at Spectrum Canine on how to train dogs professionally. While I would not call myself a professional trainer (yet), I do take occasional clients from time to time.

I am also a new plant mom since the pandemic shutdown earlier this year. I have collected many different types of plants, including the rare Monstera albo and pink princess philodendron.

On the creative front, I enjoy crocheting amigurumi dolls. I have also taken up dip pen calligraphy since the beginning of this year.

What hardware do you use?

I use a 13” MacBook Pro with an LG UltraFine 5K Display. My current desk is a writing desk from Wayfair. I thought WFH would be a temporary thing. Now that WFH is more a permanent fixture, I want to invest in a larger desk.

I take all my calls using Bose QuietComfort 35. My fiancé and I work in the same room, and these headphones have saved us from killing each other.

And what software?

I use mainly R and RStudio (and sometimes Python) to look at data and to run my models. I know there is a huge divide within the data science community on which language is the best. I like R because it’s built by statisticians for data practitioners. Also, ggplot is still hands down the best visualization library and graphics language I have used for data analysis. Python visualization packages simply don’t match up (even the ggplot Python package is not as robust as the original).

I am currently using DBeaver for database ETL work.

For messaging, I really love Telegram. The stickers available are unlike those of any other messaging app. After using Telegram, I feel stunted using other messaging apps because I can’t fully express my emotions without the stickers.

What’s your keyboard setup like? Do you use a custom layout or custom keycaps?

Currently I use the white ErgoDox EZ with the NPKC Sunset Blue Gradient keycaps and Capsmiths Rose resin keycaps. My fiancé built me custom cables to match. I am also using Banana Split linear switches.

Prior to the ErgoDox, I typed on the 65% Drop ALT High-Profile keyboard. Unfortunately, I developed De Quervain’s in my left hand.

I have been very very very patiently waiting for the return of Mintlodica’s Magic Girl. I have been waiting a year to have my very own magic girl ErgoDox setup!

What would be your dream setup?

I want a larger desk and to deck my keyboard and desk out in Magic Girl keycaps/swag.