TA Spotlight - Aaron Guerra

Meet Aaron Guerra! Aaron is a PhD candidate in the Geography Graduate Group who is also earning his MS in Statistics. This fall, he is serving at the TA for R-DAVIS, a course where graduate students from a range of disciplines learn to analyze and visualize data in R. Aaron is passionate about helping future scientists and practitioners build a foundation in data analysis, and he enjoys learning about effective approaches to data visualization.

What’s one thing students should know coming into your class?

You don't need any background experience in coding! All we ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to try something new and stick with it.

Can you share a moment in the course that really challenged your thinking?

I've been programming in R for several years, but I have been surprised and excited to see the clever solutions that students come up with to complete different tasks. One of the best things about this course is that there are often lots of ways to get to the right endpoint!

What is a habit, resource, or tool that made the biggest positive difference for you?

On the days that I get up early and do something active, like running or going to the gym, I have a significantly better attitude and energy level than on days where I don't. Oh, and coffee too.

When you are not studying or working, what kinds of things do you do to recharge?

Over the last year, I have been trying out woodworking and stained glass classes at the Craft Center and playing rec beach volleyball and basketball through the university. I wish I had started sooner!