Vanessa Dare

Academic Interests

Computer Science, Economics, & French

Fun Fact

I used to be left-handed, but I'm now right-handed

I’m passionate about Data Science—specifically, creating algorithms that truly serve the people they’re designed for, which isn’t always the case. My interest in this stems from a broader desire to understand and connect with people from different backgrounds, which is why I’m deeply involved in campus life. I’m a Presidential Ambassador for Duke, and part of the professional fraternities Delta Sigma Pi and Catalyst. I also work as a babysitter and at Duke Hospital as an administrative assistant and respiratory fit tester for staff. Languages are another big part of my life. In addition to majoring in French, I’m also learning German and Spanish. Two summers ago, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by taking on a 100 km charity hike through France and Belgium with no prior experience and last summer I worked as a summer camp counselor in New Jersey, where I developed valuable leadership skills and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives. This summer, I have studied abroad in Paris and also did a data analyst internship with AfroTrade.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

I love the community here - not only with the other fellows but all the professors and senior leaders who are brought in, everyone is open and approachable and genuine.