The people who use our boards.

298 interviews since 2018

Catherine Yu

Data Scientist

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.

Catherine Yu's dogs
Kirby and Azuki, two very good dogs

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.

Catherine Yu's setup
Candy-colored keycaps and a dog cushion

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.

Catherine Yu's keyboard
Custom cables match pretty keycaps

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.

Catherine Yu's keyboard switches
Even the switches keep the aesthetic

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.

Catherine Yu's plants
The pretty pink plants feel like mahou shoujo, too

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