Meet Cara Fernandes: Building Community in the UNE Data Science & Statistics Club

At this year’s UNE Life Student Awards Night, Cara Fernandes and the UNE Data Science & Statistics Club were recognised, taking home the prestigious New Club of the Year and Online Activation of the Year awards. These awards celebrate their outstanding contributions to student life, and for Cara, the event was a personal milestone—it was her first time experiencing Australia outside of Sydney.

We caught up with Cara to discuss the club’s mission, its standout events, and her insights on building a sense of community as an online student.

1. In a nutshell, what’s the UNE Data Science & Statistics Club all about?

Everything is data! That’s what the UNE Data Science & Statistics Club is all about. Data science and statistics span fields like healthcare, marketing, environmental science, and computer science. Our goal is to create a space where members can build their skills, connect with like-minded peers, and have fun while exploring how data shapes the world.

We’re here to support anyone passionate about data—whether you’re a pro or a total beginner. If you want to dive deeper into data or just see how it can be applied to real-world problems, this is the place to be!

2. What are some of the most popular events or activities your club organises?

For our online students, we host Data Nights, where participants are given a dataset to analyse or visualise and present their findings to their peers. To make things more exciting, we sometimes throw in prizes! For our Sydney-based members, we regularly organise in-person networking and meetups throughout the year. These are always a hit and a great way to build connections within the community.

3. How did it feel being a part of this year’s Student Awards Night?

It was truly an incredible experience! As an online student, it’s easy to feel a bit disconnected from campus and university life.

Being part of the Student Awards Night was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other students and see firsthand the passion and sense of community at UNE.

It was also insightful to learn how other clubs operate, and we’re excited to implement some of these strategies in our own club moving forward.

4. What advice would you give to students interested in starting a new club?

Have a game plan! Start by defining your club’s mission and goals and think about what makes your club unique. Outline the activities you want to organise and consider how you’ll engage members. Building a community takes time, so remember to be patient and flexible.

5. Does your club have any online platforms or social media groups where students can connect with you?

Yes, we are currently on Discord and Facebook! We regularly post event information on both platforms and are always active and ready to engage with new members.

6. How has being a member of the UNE Data Science & Statistics Club added to your student experience?

Since starting the club, I’ve found a true sense of community at UNE. As an online student juggling full-time work, it’s easy to feel isolated.

The club has given me a space to collaborate with others who share similar interests, making my student experience so much more fulfilling.

It has helped me build valuable connections and enriched my life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Plus, the events have allowed me to work on projects that I can add to my portfolio!

7. Looking ahead, are there any exciting events or initiatives planned by the club?

Absolutely! We will continue to host our Data Nights for online students and fun trivia meetups for our Sydney-based members. We’re also hoping to host an end-of-trimester celebration at the end of October.

8. Is there anything unique or quirky about your club that you’d like to share?

Our club is a community where we not only dive deep into data and statistics but also find creative ways to make it fun! From analysing unusual datasets, like predicting the danceability of Taylor Swift songs, to hosting friendly data competitions, we blend data science with a bit of quirkiness.

9. For someone hesitant to join a club, what would you say to convince them to give yours a try?

Our club is open to all levels, so there’s no need to be shy or hesitant! We cater to everyone, from those just starting their journey with data to more experienced members. We emphasise learning together in a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking to build your skills, work on cool projects, or just meet like-minded people, there’s a place for you here!

Find your fit with Clubs & Societies and get involved with the UNE Data & Statistics Club by visiting their profile and becoming a member.