Finding Confidence Through Research and Discovery
The Department of Information Systems is proud to present the next alumni spotlight, Sri Kavya Penta, M.S. ’26, information systems, whose experience at UMBC combined research, teaching, and innovation. Through her work as a Teaching Assistant, researcher, and published scholar, Sri Kavya explored the intersection of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and human-centered computing while developing the skills and confidence to tackle complex real-world challenges. Her journey demonstrates how curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone can lead to meaningful personal and professional growth.
Information Systems: Tell us about yourself and your journey at UMBC.
Sri Kavya Penta: I’m Sri Kavya Penta, a recent M.S. graduate in Information Systems from UMBC with a passion for Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Human-Centered Computing. My journey at UMBC has been a mix of research, teaching, countless presentations, and more cups of coffee than I’d like to admit.
I had the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assistant, supporting courses on the edX platform by grading assignments and helping students navigate online learning. I also contributed to research on imposter phenomenon among computing students, applying data analysis and visualization techniques, with the work submitted to SIGCSE. My master’s thesis, “Evaluating AI-Assisted Qualitative Coding of Student Reflections in Online Learning,” further fueled my interest in exploring how AI can enhance education and decision-making.
Beyond academics, I collaborated with faculty on research projects, presented my work at multiple forums, and published two research papers. Looking back, UMBC taught me that growth often happens outside your comfort zone and sometimes right before a deadline. As I begin my next chapter, I’m excited to build data and AI-driven solutions that create meaningful impact.
IS: How has UMBC and the IS Department helped prepare you for your future career?
SKP: UMBC and the Information Systems Department gave me more than technical knowledge; they gave me opportunities to apply it. Through research, my Teaching Assistantship, presentations, and collaborations with faculty, I learned how to analyze problems, communicate ideas, and work across interdisciplinary teams.
The department encouraged me to explore the intersection of AI, data analytics, and human-centered computing, allowing me to contribute to research, publish papers, and develop my thesis. It also taught me that the best solutions come from combining curiosity with collaboration. These experiences have prepared me to confidently pursue a career where I can use data and technology to solve real-world challenges and create meaningful impact.
IS: What experiences, projects, or opportunities have been most meaningful during your time at UMBC?
SKP: Honestly, the most meaningful part of my time at UMBC was realizing how many different hats I could wear in just two years. On some days I was analyzing data for research, others I was grading assignments as a Teaching Assistant, preparing presentations, or discussing ideas with faculty and fellow students.
One of the best parts of my time at UMBC was that no two weeks looked the same. I could be analyzing research data one day, grading assignments the next, preparing a presentation later that week, and then discussing new ideas with faculty and classmates.
Watching my work evolve into two published papers and a research submission to SIGCSE was incredibly fulfilling, but what I enjoyed the most was presenting my work. It pushed me to think beyond the analysis and explain complex ideas in a way that others could connect with and learn from.
More than any single project, the people I met and the opportunities I embraced made my UMBC experience meaningful. They challenged me to ask better questions, think more critically, and stay curious, the qualities I hope to carry into my career.
IS: Describe a project, internship, research experience, or role you are most proud of.
SKP: One experience I am most proud of was presenting my work for the first time at the IBBR Early Career Symposium after my paper was accepted for a poster presentation. Until that day, I had spent weeks preparing, but when it was finally time to present, my mind was racing with a hundred different thoughts – What if I forget something? What if I can’t answer a question?
Thankfully, professors Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Karen Chen, and my fellow students were incredibly supportive and gave me the confidence I needed before the presentation. Once I started talking about my work, the nervousness slowly disappeared, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the conversations and questions from attendees.
When the day ended, I wasn’t just happy that my paper had been accepted. I was proud of myself for believing I could do it. That experience gave me a level of confidence I didn’t know I had, and it motivated me to keep presenting, learning, and taking on new opportunities.
IS: What tools, technologies, or skills have you used throughout your academic or professional experiences?
SKP: Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have worked with Python, SQL, Machine Learning, AI, statistical analysis, data visualization, and database management to solve real-world problems. I have applied techniques such as clustering, PCA, qualitative data analysis, and predictive modeling in research projects, while using tools like Power BI, Tableau, Excel, and edX for analysis, reporting, teaching support, and presentations.
Beyond technical skills, I have strengthened my communication, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities through research collaborations, conference presentations, teaching assistantship responsibilities, and publishing academic papers. I enjoy combining analytical thinking with creativity to turn data into meaningful insights.
IS: What advice would you give to current or future students?
SKP: If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: stop comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle or finish line. For a long time, I felt like I was always behind because there was always someone smarter, more experienced, or seemingly doing better than me. But I realized that comparison only delays progress.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. Apply for the opportunity, ask the question, submit the paper, give the presentation even if you’re scared. Confidence doesn’t come first; it comes from taking that first step.
Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep doing what you need to do. Your journey is yours, and consistency will take you much farther than comparison ever will.
IS: Which skill or area are you most excited to continue developing after graduation?
SKP: I’m most excited to continue developing my knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and staying adaptable as new models, tools, and technologies emerge. AI is evolving incredibly fast, and I want to continuously learn and leverage these advancements to solve complex business problems and improve decision-making.
Beyond mastering new technologies, I hope to bridge the gap between data, AI, and business strategy transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions that create real value for organizations and the people they serve.
IS: What are your career goals or roles you are you interested in pursuing?
SKP: I’m interested in pursuing roles such as Data Analyst, Business Analyst, AI/ML Analyst, Data Scientist, and Business Intelligence Analyst, where I can combine analytical thinking with emerging AI technologies to solve complex business problems. I’m particularly excited about leveraging the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and data analytics to drive better decision-making, optimize processes, and create meaningful business impact.
Long term, I hope to work at the intersection of AI, data, and strategy, continuously adapting to new technologies while building innovative solutions that improve how organizations operate and make decisions.
To learn more about Sri Kavya Penta and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram.
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