Meet Isa Prado, our 2026 Data Science & Society Assistant

What is the primary focus of your role in RDDS & Penn Libraries?

The focus of my role is computational community building, data science outreach and AI literacy event coordination. My goal is to connect RDDS with researchers and students outside of a network previously established, particularly in anthropology and archaeology. Additionally, I help generate interest in workshops, hoping to eventually create one of my own, using a variety of outreach methods. 

Can you share a bit about your previous experience before joining the RDDS team? Tell us about your academic background and interests.

Much of my academic experience is within archaeology and anthropology, studying the ways people lived through the material remains left behind and how societies are structured. My primary interest within archaeology has been archaeometallurgy. I have also gained experience excavating and working with ceramics, specifically Late Bronze Age ceramics from the Alentejo region of Portugal. 

I am most interested in Latin American culture and dissemination. I have recently developed a deep interest in forensic archaeology as a resource for public service and advocacy. 

What are you most excited about in your role?

I’m excited to be part of RDDS and to develop new ways of incorporating data science and data visualization into my work. I want to share and inspire people to explore the many different ways to analyze, represent, and visualize information!

What have you been surprised by at Penn or Philadelphia?

Both have surprised me. Penn has its own farm that works with and supports urban growers in Philadelphia. They host educational workshops, while also sharing produce harvested from the farm with Philadelphians. This is one of my favorite projects at Penn. 

Philadelphia has surprised me in numerous ways. For one, as someone who grew up in Arkansas, I deeply appreciate the extensive public transportation. It allows me to attend the many festivals and events Philly has to offer throughout the year. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Outside of academics, I love crafting. Recently I’ve been making stamps but I also enjoy sewing. One craft involves taking away in order to create while the other brings scraps together to make whole pieces. Cooking is my favorite and oldest hobby. Fun fact: I originally wanted to go to culinary school before deciding to pursue an anthropology degree.