Laurel Galli-Graves is a data scientist and artist, known for her unique blend of creativity and analytical expertise.
Laurel's journey into data science was unconventional. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art and a minor in Psychology from Brigham Young University (BYU), she initially pursued art, creating sculptures and paintings. Her passion for public service led her to BYU's Master of Public Administration program, where she discovered a love for coding and analytics. She later taught graduate-level courses in R programming and data visualization at BYU, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in data science.
Her work has been groundbreaking in the field of machine learning and data science. As a U.S. Digital Corps Data Science Fellow at the Department of Defense's Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), she led a team that developed a comprehensive identification system for organizations receiving defense funding since World War II. This initiative streamlined data across multiple systems, enhancing the tracking and analysis of defense spending.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Laurel is deeply committed to community engagement. She founded the U.S. Digital Corps Natural Language Processing Working Group, fostering collaboration among fellows across various disciplines. Her work reflects a dedication to using technology for the public good, bridging the gap between complex data systems and accessible, impactful solutions.
Laurel and her husband, Brandon, an immigrant rights attorney, have two kids. They enjoy connecting with diverse communities and exploring the intersection of art, technology, and social justice.
