Employee spotlight: Luis Loret de Mola

What makes 84.51˚ an intriguing company? Is it the flexible hybrid work options, the free food regularly found around the office or the challenging problems that we tackle? While these aspects are undoubtedly great, it’s the people that make working here truly special. Check out our Employee Spotlight series to learn more about who we are and the unique traits of our teammates.

Hometown: Born in Havana, Cuba and grew up in Miami, FL Office Location: NYC Start Date: November 2017 Job title: Lead Data Scientist

Describe your role.

I’m a lead data scientist on the Media Research team. We are a group of data scientists that research and develop different methodologies, algorithms and products to enable the media business at 84.51°.

How long have you worked in data science and what inspired you to pursue this field?

I’ve been in data science for almost 7 years now. What inspired me to pursue this field was taking AP Economics in high school and reading a book my dad lent me (“Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner). The process of quantifying and empirically proving things related to human behavior, I found to be fascinating.

“The combination of striving and tinkering for innovation plus the apparent culture were the two forces that drove me to apply.”

What interested you in joining 84.51°?

I knew a bit about the company coming out of college. Dunnhumby was one of the first companies to participate in Kaggle data science competitions, so naturally I was interested in what 84.51° was doing. But looking deeper I also noticed there was an amazing culture within the organization. The combination of striving and tinkering for innovation plus the apparent culture were the two forces that drove me to apply.

What has been the most memorable experience or favorite project you’ve worked on?

The automated insights and wrap report work. It was something I had been working on side of desk for a while and managed to collaborate and work with some excellent folks on it, and the product had a huge impact on the business. It was a very creative, innovative and collaborative process that gave life to a really sweet product that is still very much active and evolving today, so I’m eternally grateful for that experience.

What’s your favorite part about working at 84.51°? Do you have a favorite benefit or perk that is offered?

Working on interesting and impactful things with people that are fun, engaging, inspiring and considerate of one another. Fave perk is the time off and early Fridays.

“There’s a lot of attention to algorithm sophistication versus the problem it is meant to solve. Simplicity is a virtue.”

What advice would you give to those who are considering working in the data science industry?

Relax, start small and take your time. Data science is a vast field with a lot of different components, it can be intimidating and pretentious. Make sure the solutions being implemented solve the problems at hand and are not merely forced implementations of a fancy algorithm. There’s a lot of attention to algorithm sophistication versus the problem it is meant to solve. Simplicity is a virtue. So start by focusing on the problem, and keep solving them as you learn more about your interest and where you want your career to go.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work hours?

I dance, write poetry, read, hike, talk and spend time with family and friends, explore New York City, play instruments, listen to a lot of music, follow sports, exercise, go to museums and art galleries and travel. Ready to join us? Check out Careers at 84.51° to learn more.