_{In our BSc Data Science & Society programme, students are pioneers who push boundaries and shape the future! What makes them choose this path? Keep reading to learn about their personal stories and reasons for joining our community!}

Hi there!

My name is Freark de Lange, I am 23 years old and I was born and raised in a small village bordering the Frisian Wadden Sea. After dropping out of high school, I decided to attend trade school to become a back-end website developer. After that, I went to NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences to earn a propaedeutic certificate. Currently, I am in my first year of the bachelor Data Science & Society (DSS).

1. What personal challenges or experiences made DSS feel relevant to your life?

The flexibility that professors offer in structuring assignments around your own interests allows me to explore topics I am actually interested in. Personally, I want to work in the aerospace sector and I have already been able to work with satellite data in multiple projects during my first year. This not only allows me to work on projects I am actually interested in, but also enables me to gain valuable knowledge that will be useful for when I enter the workforce

❝Personally, I want to work in the aerospace sector and I have already been able to work with satellite data in multiple projects during my first year.❞

2. Has DSS changed how you see the role of data in everyday life? If so, how?

I already knew companies and governments were collecting data about users and citizens, but I underestimated just the fast amount of data that is collected on a daily basis. Data Science & Society made me more aware of the risks associated with data collection and algorithms, which made me more critically review the apps and services I use myself on a daily basis.

3. Is there a particular skill or topic or course in DSS that you find most interesting? Why?

So far I have enjoyed the more technical courses the most. I already knew how to program before coming to Campus Fryslân but the Statistical and Machine Learning course allowed me to develop my first simple machine learning model. This helped me to develop the foundational knowledge required for following courses like Computer Vision.

4. What kind of impact do you hope to make with DSS, and do you feel the programme is equipping you for that?

Data is everywhere and will only become more important with time. Data Science & Society is unique, as the program adapts quickly to current developments in regard to data science and artificial intelligence. I hope to one day be able to apply the skills I have learned here to contribute to advancements in science.

❝Data Science & Society is unique, as the program adapts quickly to current developments in regard to data science and artificial intelligence.❞

5. How would you pitch DSS to someone interested in traditional data science but skeptical about its societal applications?

Algorithms come with risks and challenges, there is no way around that. Data Science & Society equips you with the knowledge to develop more responsible algorithms and machine learning models. Allowing you to asses potential governance issues and ensure human rights are adhered to. It adds a human element to an otherwise very technical field.

6. What has surprised you the most about studying DSS?

My peers have surprised me the most. I am surrounded by people of different backgrounds, all with their own culture and experiences. It is interesting to learn about what others think about the (mis)use of data and surveillance. The bachelor program enables some interesting discussions to take place, not only during classes and guest lectures but also during breaks and after school.

Join the programme and be next in line for an inspiring opportunity!

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