BioBuzz’s Buzzin’ Brood Student Spotlight series celebrates the future of life sciences talent — and the programs, institutions, and organizations investing in them.
Name: Maya Cleveland
Hometown: Bowie, Maryland
Institution: University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland)
Role: Ecosystem Fellow, BioBuzz Networks
Some people see a computer science degree as a straight line to a single career. Maya Cleveland sees it as a foundation to explore everything from machine learning to the life sciences ecosystem. As a B.S. Computer Science student at the University of Maryland, Maya balances her technical coursework with active roles on campus, including serving as a Resident Assistant and a member of Women in Cyber Security. But her curiosity extends far beyond the classroom. She is driven by a desire to take technical skills like data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, and apply them to completely different industries and real-world problems.
This drive to connect data with tangible impact led her to explore the biotech and life sciences space. She is currently applying her technical background as an Ecosystem Fellow within BioBuzz’s BioCatalyst program, which is made possible through TEDCO’s Equitech Growth Fund. Whether she is analyzing data or exploring how AI interacts with human behavior, Maya is determined to build solutions that actually connect back to people.
We sat down with Maya to talk about her path into computer science, what’s exciting her right now, and where she sees herself headed next.
How did you get here?
“I’ve always been interested in technology, which is what originally led me to study Computer Science at the University of Maryland,” Maya explains. “When I first started, I honestly didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with a computer science degree. I just knew I liked technology, problem solving, and learning how things worked.”
As she took more classes and gained experience outside of school, she started becoming more interested in data and all of the different ways it can be used. “Since then, I’ve had the chance to explore different areas like data analytics, machine learning, cybersecurity, and now the life sciences industry through BioBuzz.”
“One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I like being able to explore different areas instead of feeling like I have to stay in one box,” she adds. “I especially like taking the technical skills I’ve learned in school and seeing how they can be applied to completely different industries and problems.”
What is currently blowing your mind right now?
“AI! It’s crazy how quickly it is changing and how many different things it can be used for.”
Maya has been interested in artificial intelligence for a while, but the more she learns about it, the more questions she has. “I’m especially interested in how AI interacts with people and how we can make it better at understanding that people communicate, behave, and think differently,” she says.
If you could explain yourself right now in only emojis…
💻📊🤔🔍🎓✨🎉❤
“A lot of my life right now revolves around school, computers, data, and figuring out what I actually want to do with everything I’ve learned,” Maya shares. “I’m constantly learning, asking questions, and thinking about what direction I want to take next.”
At the same time, she is really excited about graduating and seeing what comes next as she starts a new chapter outside of school. “Through all of that, I’m also trying to enjoy where I am right now, have fun, and spend time with the people I love because those moments are just as important to me as figuring out my future.”
If you could travel into the future… what does your LinkedIn headline say?
Data Scientist | AI, Data & Technology | Using Data to Understand People and Solve Real Problems
“I don’t know exactly what company or industry I’ll be working in ten years from now, and I actually like that,” Maya reflects. “I hope I’ve had the chance to work in different spaces and figure out where my interests fit best.”
“I know I want data and technology to be a major part of what I do, but I also want my work to connect back to people and have an impact outside of just building something because we can.”
What are some of the things you can’t live without?
“Definitely my phone, music, good food, my friends and family, and probably Google,” she laughs. “I’m always looking something up because the most random questions will pop into my head and I need an answer immediately.”
“I also love getting dressed up, trying new restaurants, going out with the people I love, and having something fun to look forward to.”
