Big D(ata): Zack Smith
Zack Smith is Big D(ata), and he’s working to build a streaming log to make managing large amounts of streaming data easier. Rather than writing individual pipelines, his program manages data flow to dependent processes so that the dependent systems (consumers) know when the data they need to act on is available.
Having worked as an economist doing data analysis, Zack knows the importance of efficient data management. Originally from Pittsburgh, Zack attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a B.S. in Economics. Working in the field of economics, though, he found that he was frustrated by working on “old stuff” and wanted to be able to create things—to invent. He thought that programming would enhance his ability to do that. Initially, he looked at Bootcamps, but found them to be costly. He came across 42 in his searches, and decided to invest a month in deciding if it was right for him, so took time off from work to do the Piscine. That was almost a year ago, and Zack spent that year here in Silicon Valley. And he’s staying. He’s finishing up at the school soon, but definitely wants to stay to work in the tech hub and remain in this exhilarating and inventive community.
